Mumbai cops uncover Muharram poisoning plot, seize 14,900 rat poison capsules

[AjitWadhwa]

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Mumbai Police have claimed foiled an alleged plot to target a Muharram procession after seizing 14,900 capsules allegedly filled with poison from a suspect.​

According to the police, the accused allegedly planned to distribute poison-filled capsules during the Muharram procession to cause a major tragedy. Police detained the suspect and recovered 14,900 poisonous capsules from his possession before they could allegedly be distributed.

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The accused has been identified as Faiyaz Premji, a resident of the Viman Nagar area in Pune, where he runs a paint business. Police said he had been staying at a guest house and dormitory in Mumbai's Dongri area. The Muharram procession that he allegedly targeted was passing through the JJ and Byculla areas of the city.​

During the investigation, police found that the accused had allegedly procured 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide, a rat poison, and spent several days filling capsules with the toxic substance at his premises. Investigators said each capsule contained approximately one gram of zinc phosphide.​

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According to Mumbai Police, Premji was allegedly distributing the phosphorus-laced capsules among people participating in the Muharram procession when he came under suspicion. At around 4 a.m., police received information that one person had complained of vomiting and stomach pain. Officers immediately detained the suspect. During questioning, he allegedly admitted that his intention was to target the Muharram procession.

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Police have registered a case against the accused under Sections 109, 110 and 123 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to administering poison and attempt to murder.​

Police said the accused had planned to prepare nearly 30,000 capsules, but officers intercepted the operation and seized 14,900 capsules before they could reach the public. Investigators believe the timely action prevented a potentially major tragedy.​

According to the investigation, Premji travelled to Iran and Iraq multiple times between 2019 and 2025. Police said that within the past year alone, he had travelled to Iran and Iraq 19 times. Investigators are now examining the purpose of those visits and whether the case has links to a larger network.​

Police said Premji's sister works as a physiotherapist in Iran and his mother is also currently in Iran. They added that he is divorced and does not live with his wife. ​

Investigators are examining the accused's mobile phone, digital records, financial transactions and contacts to determine whether he acted alone or was influenced by any individual or organisation. Police are also probing whether the alleged conspiracy can be linked to a larger network or whether the accused acted under someone's influence.

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Police said they are investigating the case from all possible angles. Based on the investigation so far, officials believe their timely intervention prevented a potential large-scale incident.​

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