Mumbai Police Foil Alleged Mass Poisoning Attempt During Muharram Procession
A major tragedy was reportedly prevented in Mumbai after police arrested a man accused of distributing poisonous capsules during a Muharram procession on Friday. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The suspect, identified as Fayyaz Premji, was detained in Mumbai’s Byculla area after several people who had consumed the capsules became unwell. Quick action by police and alert volunteers helped stop the distribution before it reached more people.
Several People Fell Ill After Taking the Capsules
According to officials, at least 11 people experienced symptoms including stomach pain and vomiting after swallowing the capsules. They were immediately taken to hospital for treatment.
Doctors later confirmed that all of them are now out of danger.
Police believe the capsules contained zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical commonly used in rat poison.
Suspect Allegedly Claimed Capsules Were Health Supplements
Investigators say the accused was handing out capsules to people participating in the Ashura procession near Rehmatabad Cemetery at Reay Road.
Witnesses said he described the capsules as painkillers or immunity boosters, encouraging people to consume them.
His behaviour, however, caught the attention of volunteers monitoring the procession.
Three Women Volunteers Helped Prevent a Disaster
The suspected poisoning attempt was uncovered thanks to the alertness of three women volunteers.
One volunteer noticed the man distributing capsules in a suspicious manner and immediately questioned him. When his explanation failed to convince them, the volunteers opened one of the capsules and found an unusual powder inside.
They immediately informed the police and warned the crowd through loudspeaker announcements not to consume any capsules being distributed.
Their quick thinking is believed to have prevented a much larger tragedy.
Nearly 15,000 Capsules Seized
Police officers reached the scene within minutes and detained the suspect.
During the operation, authorities seized around 14,900 capsules believed to contain the poisonous substance.
Investigators also discovered that the accused had allegedly ordered:
- Around 30,000 empty capsules
- Nearly 50 kilograms of phosphorus-related material
The seized capsules have been sent for forensic examination.
Police Investigating Motive and Possible Conspiracy
According to police sources, the suspect allegedly admitted during questioning that he intended to poison a large number of people participating in the procession.
Authorities are treating the matter with utmost seriousness and are investigating whether anyone else was involved or if there are links to a wider criminal or terror-related conspiracy.
The accused has been remanded to two days of police custody while the investigation continues.
A case has been registered at Byculla Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to administering poison with criminal intent.
What Is Zinc Phosphide?
Zinc phosphide is an extremely poisonous chemical widely used in rodenticides.
When swallowed, it reacts with stomach acid and releases phosphine gas, a highly toxic substance that can seriously damage:
- The heart
- The lungs
- The liver
- The kidneys
- The brain
There is currently no specific antidote for zinc phosphide poisoning.
People exposed to the chemical require urgent medical treatment, supportive care and, in severe cases, ventilator support.
Investigation Continues
Police are continuing to examine the seized capsules, forensic evidence and the suspect’s background, including his travel history, to determine whether anyone else may have been involved.
Officials have urged the public never to consume medicines or capsules distributed by unknown individuals during public gatherings without proper medical verification.
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What happened during the Mumbai Muharram procession?
Police arrested a man accused of distributing poisonous capsules during the procession after several people became ill. Quick action by volunteers and police prevented a larger tragedy.
Q2. What chemical was allegedly found in the capsules?
According to police, the capsules allegedly contained zinc phosphide, a highly toxic substance commonly used in rat poison.
Q3. How were thousands of people protected?
Three alert women volunteers noticed suspicious activity, informed the police and warned the public through loudspeaker announcements, allowing officers to stop the distribution before more people consumed the capsules.
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