Mumbai
oi-Swastika Sruti
Mumbai Police on Saturday said they had prevented a major tragedy after uncovering an alleged plot to distribute poisonous capsules among people participating in a Muharram procession in the city.
Mumbai Police arrested Faiyaz Premji for allegedly planning to distribute approximately 14,900 zinc phosphide capsules during a Muharram procession, potentially preventing harm to thousands. An investigation is ongoing into the motive and possible accomplices after one person fell ill.
According to police, one man has been arrested for allegedly planning to hand out capsules containing zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical commonly used as a rodenticide. Officials said the capsules were seized before they could be distributed, potentially saving thousands of people from harm.
The investigation is currently underway to determine the motive behind the alleged conspiracy and whether others were involved.
Police Receive Tip-Off During Muharram Procession
The case came to light after police received information during the Muharram procession that a man was allegedly distributing what appeared to be medicinal capsules.
Acting on the tip-off, officers intercepted the suspect and launched a search.
Major Security Breakthrough in Mumbai
Security agencies have foiled a horrific conspiracy to trigger mass casualties during the Muharram procession by distributing zinc phosphide-laced capsules disguised as painkillers.
The alleged mastermind, Fayyaz Nisar Hussain Premji,… pic.twitter.com/kGTB66HoHT
— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) June 27, 2026
Addressing the media, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Region, Zone 1) Jayant Meena said the police recovered identity documents, including the accused’s Aadhaar card and passport, during the operation.
Further searches led to the recovery of approximately 14,900 capsules, which investigators believe were filled with zinc phosphide.
Police said the capsules had not yet been distributed, allowing officers to stop the alleged plan before it could be carried out.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: DCP Central Zone-I, Jayant Meena says, “Last night, a Muharram procession was taking place within the jurisdiction of Byculla Police Station. During the procession, a suspicious individual was noticed distributing and selling capsules. Acting on suspicion, a… pic.twitter.com/rNpo7tg6T8
— IANS (@ians_india) June 27, 2026
One Person Reportedly Fell Ill
According to investigators, the case gained urgency after one person, identified as Salman Saiyed, reportedly consumed one of the capsules and later fell ill.
The incident prompted police to examine the capsules more closely, leading to the discovery of the suspected poisonous substance.
Authorities are awaiting further forensic examination to confirm the contents of the seized capsules.
Accused Identified as Pune Resident
Police identified the accused as Faiyaz Premji, a resident of Viman Nagar in Pune.
According to investigators, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree and operates a paint business.
Police said he had rented accommodation in Mumbai’s Dongri area around 15 days before his arrest.
Officials are also verifying his travel history after discovering that he had reportedly visited Iran and Iraq in 2025.
Police clarified that the purpose of those foreign visits is still under investigation and no conclusions have been drawn at this stage.
Alleged Plan Under Investigation
According to police, the accused had allegedly procured around 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide and planned to fill capsules with nearly one gram of the toxic substance each.
Investigators believe the capsules were intended to be distributed among people attending the Muharram procession, where an estimated 30,000 people had gathered.
Police said the alleged plan could have resulted in a major public safety incident if the
capsules had been consumed by participants.
Officials are now trying to establish how the toxic substance was procured, whether anyone else assisted in the alleged plan, and if there was a wider conspiracy.
