Man Arrested for Alleged Poison Plot at Mumbai Procession

A man from Pune was apprehended on Saturday in connection with an alleged plot to poison attendees at a Muharram procession in south Mumbai. The arrested individual, 39-year-old Faiyaz Premji, was found in possession of approximately 14,000 capsules containing zinc phosphide, a substance commonly used as rat poison.

Police reported that Premji, who identified himself as Shia, stated his intention was to harm those participating in the procession. He had reportedly ordered 30,000 capsules and 50 kg of zinc phosphide online. The scheme was uncovered when hospital staff alerted authorities about a patient suffering severe stomach cramps and vomiting after consuming a capsule believed to be a painkiller distributed at the event.

Premji, a BBA graduate and owner of a Pune-based paint company, allegedly offered the capsules to participants, particularly those engaging in self-flagellation, presenting them as painkillers. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain his full motive. His mother and sister reside in Iran, and he has made multiple visits to Iran and Iraq since 2019.