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Poison Capsule Plot at Muharram Procession Foiled
28 Jun
Summary
- Accused questioned in Pune; chemical source being traced.
- Thousands of alleged poison capsules seized before distribution.
- Hospital alert led to suspect's detention during procession.
Authorities in Byculla are actively investigating a disturbing alleged conspiracy to carry out mass poisoning during the recent Muharram procession. A suspect, identified as Faiyaz Premji, has been apprehended for purportedly distributing capsules laced with zinc phosphide, a substance commonly used as rat poison.
Police teams have pursued leads both within Mumbai and in Pune, where Premji's family resides and where statements were recorded. Concurrently, efforts are underway to identify the exact source from which Premji allegedly procured the chemical outside of Mumbai.
Premji, a 39-year-old Pune resident, reportedly received a delivery of approximately 14,900 capsules at a south Mumbai hotel shortly before the procession. He was arrested in the Byculla area after being detained by two women volunteers who witnessed him distributing the capsules under the guise of painkillers.
The investigation gained traction when a hospital reported a man admitted with severe symptoms, allegedly after consuming one of the distributed capsules. Forensic analysis of the seized capsules is pending, with current evidence relying partly on the accused's statement.
