Muharram Poisoning Plot Foiled in Mumbai: 14,900 Zinc Phosphide-Laced Rat Poison Capsules Seized, Suspect Held (Watch Video)

The Mumbai Police have arrested a businessman from Pune after foilng an alleged plot to poison participants during a Muharram procession. Authorities seized 14,900 capsules loaded with zinc phosphide, a highly toxic rat poison, from the suspect before they could be widely distributed. The suspect, identified as Faiyaz Premji, a resident of Viman Nagar in Pune, operates a paint business. Investigators revealed that Premji had been staying at a dormitory and guest house in Mumbai’s Dongri area to target a major Muharram procession passing through the adjacent JJ and Byculla neighborhoods.

According to police sources, the operation came to light around 4:00 AM after a procession participant complained of severe vomiting and stomach pain. Law enforcement officials acted quickly on the tip-off, intercepting Premji as he allegedly began distributing the capsules. He was immediately detained for questioning. How Mumbai Police Foiled Bid To Distribute Rat Poison-Filled Capsules During Muharram Procession.

Investigators state that Premji had procured 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide and spent several days manually packing the substance, putting approximately one gram of the toxic powder into each capsule. While he reportedly intended to manufacture nearly 30,000 capsules, police intervention halted the operation mid-way.

The motive behind the attempted mass poisoning remains under investigation. Investigators are paying close attention to Premji's recent travel history, noting that he traveled to Iran and Iraq multiple times between 2019 and 2025. This includes 19 separate trips within the last year alone. Premji, who is a Shia Khoja Muslim himself, has a mother and sister—the latter working as a physiotherapist-currently living in Iran. Muharram Procession Tragedy in UP: 2 Killed After Balcony Collapses During Food Distribution in Lucknow (Watch Videos).

Mumbai Police Foil Alleged Terror Plot, Seize Poison-Filled Capsules

VIDEO | Maharashtra: Mumbai Police DCP (Central Zone-I) Jayant Meena informs that Mumbai Police foiled an alleged terror plot following Muharram, and poison-filled capsules were seized.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/QNL7al8CHd

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 28, 2026

A case has been registered against Premji under Sections 109, 110, and 123 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which include charges of administering poison and attempt to murder. Mumbai Police have seized the suspect's mobile phone, digital records, and bank statements to analyze his financial transactions and recent contacts. Forensic and cyber units are working to determine if the businessman acted as a lone wolf or if the conspiracy is linked to a larger organizational network.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 28, 2026 08:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).