Mumbai Police foil suspected Muharram plot:Man arrested with 14,900 rat poison capsules; allegedly planned mass distribution during procession

Mumbai Police have arrested a Pune-based businessman for allegedly distributing capsules containing rat poison during a Muharram procession in Byculla. The accused was found carrying 14,900 capsules allegedly filled with zinc phosphide, a highly toxic rodenticide, and was reportedly telling people that the capsules could cure all kinds of pain. The case came to light after a participant in the procession complained of severe stomach pain and vomiting. During questioning, the individual told police that he had consumed a capsule given to him by an unknown person during the event. Police subsequently detained the suspect, identified as Fayyaz Premji, a paint trader from Pune. According to investigators, each capsule contained around one gram of zinc phosphide. Officers also recovered evidence suggesting that the accused had procured nearly 50 kg of zinc phosphide and was allegedly preparing to manufacture around 30,000 poisonous capsules. Target was Muharram procession, police say Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Meena said the accused admitted during interrogation that he had been distributing and selling the capsules without the required licence. Police further claimed that the accused confessed that his intended target was the Muharram procession. Investigators are also examining the accused’s visits to Iran and Iraq in 2025 to determine whether the trips have any connection to the case. What is Zinc Phosphide? Zinc phosphide is a highly toxic chemical primarily used as a rodenticide in agriculture and pest control. When ingested, it reacts with stomach acid to release phosphine gas, which prevents the body’s cells from using oxygen and can rapidly lead to organ failure. Symptoms of zinc phosphide poisoning include: Severe vomiting and abdominal pain Difficulty breathing Dizziness and unconsciousness Sudden drop in blood pressure Irregular heartbeat Liver and kidney failure Multi-organ failure and death in severe cases Medical experts warn that even small quantities can be fatal. There is no specific antidote for zinc phosphide poisoning, and treatment is limited to supportive care. Rules governing Zinc Phosphide In India, zinc phosphide is regulated under the Insecticides Act, 1968. Its sale and storage require a valid licence, and dealers must maintain records of stock and sales. Large-scale storage without permission is prohibited, while unauthorised sale can attract fines, imprisonment, or suspension of the licence. Police said that if the investigation establishes that the poison was intended to harm people, the accused could face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, and offences related to endangering public safety. ​