Byculla police in Mumbai arrested a 39-year-old man, Faiyyaz Premji, who was distributing approximately 14,900 capsules containing highly toxic zinc phosphide to participants of a Muharram procession, falsely claiming they were painkillers. One individual who consumed a capsule fell ill with vomiting and uneasiness but is now out of danger after hospital treatment, though sources indicate at least eleven people may have fallen ill. Premji, a BBA graduate who runs a paint business and has traveled to Iran and Iraq, allegedly procured 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide and ordered 30,000 empty capsules over 15 days with the stated intention of causing mass casualties, potentially targeting at least 15,000 people. Alertness from police and three women volunteers averted a larger tragedy, and authorities are investigating Premji's motive, foreign travel links, and potential associates, having registered a case against him under section 123 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for causing hurt by poison with intent to commit an offense.

Byculla police in Mumbai arrested a 39-year-old man, Faiyyaz Premji, who was distributing approximately 14,900 capsules containing highly toxic zinc phosphide to participants of a Muharram procession, falsely claiming they were painkillers. One individual who consumed a capsule fell ill with vomiting and uneasiness but is now out of danger after hospital treatment, though sources indicate at least eleven people may have fallen ill. Premji, a BBA graduate who runs a paint business and has traveled to Iran and Iraq, allegedly procured 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide and ordered 30,000 empty capsules over 15 days with the stated intention of causing mass casualties, potentially targeting at least 15,000 people. Alertness from police and three women volunteers averted a larger tragedy, and authorities are investigating Premji's motive, foreign travel links, and potential associates, having registered a case against him under section 123 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for causing hurt by poison with intent to commit an offense.

Byculla police in Mumbai arrested a 39-year-old man, Faiyyaz Premji, who was distributing approximately 14,900 capsules containing highly toxic zinc phosphide to participants of a Muharram procession, falsely claiming they were painkillers. One individual who consumed a capsule fell ill with vomiting and uneasiness but is now out of danger after hospital treatment, though sources indicate at least eleven people may have fallen ill. Premji, a BBA graduate who runs a paint business and has traveled to Iran and Iraq, allegedly procured 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide and ordered 30,000 empty capsules over 15 days with the stated intention of causing mass casualties, potentially targeting at least 15,000 people. Alertness from police and three women volunteers averted a larger tragedy, and authorities are investigating Premji's motive, foreign travel links, and potential associates, having registered a case against him under section 123 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for causing hurt by poison with intent to commit an offense.

A 39-year-old man was arrested by Byculla police after they caught him distributing capsules mined with zinc phosphide, a highly toxic rodenticide used to control rats and mice, to people participating in a Muharram procession on Friday.

Faiyyaz Premji, the accused, had distributed the poisonous capsules to the crowd, saying they were painkillers.

Mumbai DCP Central Zone-1, Jayant Meena, who spoke to local media, said, "Last night, a Muharram procession was taking place in the Byculla police station area. During the procession, a suspicious person was seen distributing and selling capsules. Upon suspicion, a Mumbai Police patrol team questioned him and seized the stock of capsules he was carrying."

Police seized about 14,900 capsules reportedly filled with zinc phosphide from the man’s possession after he was detained.

A few hours later, 26-year-old Saknan Saeed consumed one of the capsules and later complained of vomiting and uneasiness. He was immediately taken to a hospital where he received treatment.

The accused told investigators that he intended to target the Muharram procession.

The DCP said that he allegedly procured 50 kilograms of Zinc phosphide.

“For this purpose, he had allegedly procured 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide, a poisonous substance, and had also ordered 30,000 empty capsules," the DCP said.

Police are investigating the motive behind the alleged act and are trying to ascertain whether anyone is involved.

The man reportedly filled the capsules with the substance over the course of 15 days of stay in Mumbai.

"Due to the alertness of the Mumbai Police, a major tragedy and possible mass casualty was averted. So far, 14,900 capsules have been seized, with the remaining capsules and chemicals still under investigation. The accused, who runs a paint business, sourced chemicals through his trade and ordered capsules online. His foreign travel links and possible associates in Mumbai are also being investigated," Meena added.

Police also said that the affected person is out of danger, police said. A case has been registered against the man at Byculla police Station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita section 123 (causing hurt by means of poison, etc., with intent to commit an offence).

Sources say that at least 11 people fell ill after consuming the pills.

They were rushed to a nearby hospital.

The incident came to light after three women volunteers spotted the accused distributing the pills suspiciously. They quickly stopped him and alerted the police.

An announcement was also made to the procession advising them not to consume the pills.

Premji reportedly told the police that he aimed at killing at least 15,000 people.

The accused has been identified as a BBA graduate. The man also has a history of foreign travel, which came to light after his detention. A senior official said he had previously been to Iran and Iraq.

Zinc phosphide is a toxic chemical that can react with gastric acid when consumed to produce phosphine gas. The gas is lethal to the human body and can affect the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and brain.

There is also no specific antidote for the compound. A person who consumes the substance requires immediate hospitalisation and can be treated with symptom-based treatment and ventilator support.

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