Mumbai Police have uncovered an alleged mass poisoning plot linked to a Muharram procession, leading to the arrest of a Pune resident identified as Fayyaz Premji. Investigators recovered nearly 50 kg of zinc phosphide, around 30,000 empty capsules and approximately 15,000 capsules allegedly filled with the toxic substance from a rented room in Mumbai’s Dongri area.
According to police officials, the accused allegedly intended to distribute the capsules during a Muharram procession after presenting them as vitamin supplements and immunity boosters.
During a search operation, police discovered what investigators described as a makeshift capsule preparation unit. Officials believe each capsule contained nearly one gram of zinc phosphide, a highly toxic rodenticide commonly used to kill rats and other agricultural pests.
Investigators suspect the capsules were manually prepared over several days. Police sources said the accused allegedly planned to manufacture and distribute as many as 30,000 poison-filled capsules before his arrest.
How the plan worked
According to investigators, Premji allegedly distributed some capsules by claiming they were health supplements. Police further allege that he recruited volunteers who were unaware of the contents of the capsules and asked them to distribute them among participants during the religious procession.
Authorities claim the capsules were handed out as immunity boosters and vitamins, making it difficult for recipients to suspect any foul play.
11 people fall ill after consuming capsules
Police said at least 11 people reported health complications after consuming the capsules.
Among those affected were Salman Syed and Ali Abbas, who reportedly told investigators that they had consumed the capsules believing them to be vitamin supplements. Soon after ingestion, they experienced severe vomiting and other symptoms and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Officials said all those admitted to hospitals are currently out of danger.
What is Zinc Phosphide?
Zinc phosphide is a highly toxic chemical widely used as a rodenticide in agriculture. Medical experts say that once consumed, it reacts with stomach acids and releases phosphine gas, a poisonous compound that can rapidly damage internal organs.
Symptoms of poisoning include:
Nausea and vomiting
Severe abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Dizziness and headache
Breathing difficulties
In severe cases, zinc phosphide poisoning can lead to pulmonary oedema, cardiac arrest, liver failure, kidney failure and death if treatment is not administered quickly.
Who is Fayyaz Premji?
Fayyaz Premji was arrested on June 27 near Rahmatabad graveyard in Mumbai.
Police said he is a native of Viman Nagar in Pune, runs a painting business and is divorced. During the investigation, authorities also examined his travel history and international connections.
According to investigators, his mother and sister currently reside in Iran. Officials said Premji travelled multiple times to Iran and Iraq between 2019 and 2025 and allegedly made 19 visits to the two countries during the last year alone.
Terror angle under investigation
Investigating agencies are yet to establish a clear motive behind the alleged conspiracy.
However, Mumbai Police, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and central agencies are examining whether the accused acted independently or was part of a larger network. Investigators are scrutinising his financial transactions, mobile phone records, digital communications and contacts.
Authorities are also verifying claims regarding his alleged confession and are awaiting forensic examination reports of the seized capsules and chemical substances.
Investigation continues
The seized capsules have been sent for forensic testing, while multiple agencies continue to investigate the case. Officials are attempting to determine the full scale of the alleged plot, identify possible accomplices and establish whether any external handlers or organised networks were involved.
The investigation remains ongoing.
