Mumbai: Man Arrested for Distributing Rat Poison at Muharram Procession

Mumbai Police have successfully averted a potential mass casualty incident during a Muharram procession in the city, arresting a 39-year-old Pune resident for allegedly distributing capsules laced with highly toxic rat poison. The accused, identified as Faiyaz Premji, was apprehended after he was observed handing out these capsules, falsely claiming they were painkillers or immunity boosters to participants in the Ashura procession on Friday night, June 26, 2026. The incident came to light following a complaint lodged by 26-year-old Salman Sayyad, who developed severe stomach pain and vomiting after consuming one of the capsules he received during the procession. Doctors at the hospital, suspecting foul play, alerted the authorities, which led to the swift arrest of Premji. According to police statements, Premji, a BBA graduate who runs a paint manufacturing unit with his father in Pune, had allegedly procured a significant quantity of zinc phosphide, a potent rodenticide, and empty capsules. He reportedly ordered 30,000 empty capsules and 50 kg of zinc phosphide online, meticulously filling each capsule with approximately one gram of the toxic substance over a period of 15 days while staying in a guest house in Dongri, Mumbai. During the raid on his accommodation, police seized around 14,900 filled capsules, effectively preventing their wider distribution and a much larger tragedy. Police officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Meena, confirmed that Premji allegedly confessed to his intention of targeting the Muharram procession and causing mass harm, with some reports indicating he aimed to kill up to 15,000 people. Zinc phosphide, when ingested, reacts with stomach acids to release phosphine gas, which can lead to severe poisoning, multi-organ failure, and potentially death. The motive behind this alleged act of terrorism is still under investigation. Authorities are exploring various angles, including potential foreign links, as Premji has a history of frequent travel to Iran and Iraq, having visited these countries multiple times since 2019, including 19 visits in the past year alone. His mother and sister are reportedly in Iran. Police are also investigating whether Premji acted alone or if he was part of a larger conspiracy or network. Premji has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including charges related to attempt to murder (Section 109), attempt to commit culpable homicide (Section 110), and causing hurt by means of poison (Section 123). The alertness of three women volunteers who noticed his suspicious distribution methods and the swift action of the Mumbai Police are being credited with averting what could have been a devastating incident. An announcement was also made during the procession, warning people not to consume the pills. While at least one person, Salman Sayyad, fell ill, initial reports from NDTV suggest up to 11 people experienced adverse symptoms after consuming the pills and were rushed to a nearby hospital, all of whom are now reported to be out of danger. Forensic analysis of the seized capsules is currently underway to confirm the presence and concentration of zinc phosphide. This incident highlights the critical role of public vigilance and rapid police response in maintaining public safety during large gatherings.

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