Mumbai – A major tragedy was averted during a Muharram procession in south Mumbai after alert women volunteers noticed a man distributing capsules in a suspicious manner, leading to his arrest and the seizure of nearly 15,000 capsules allegedly filled with zinc phosphide, a highly toxic substance commonly used as rat poison, police said on Saturday.

The accused, identified as 39-year-old Faiyaz Premji, a resident of Pune, was apprehended in the Byculla area on Friday while handing out capsules to participants in the Ashura procession, claiming they were painkillers or immunity boosters.

The matter came to light after a participant who had consumed one of the capsules complained of vomiting and severe stomach pain. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and is now out of danger, police said.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jayant Meena, officers acted swiftly after receiving information about the man’s suspicious activities and seized 14,900 capsules from his possession before they could be distributed further.

Preliminary investigation revealed that each capsule allegedly contained around one gram of zinc phosphide, a poisonous chemical widely used as a rodenticide.

“He had ordered around 30,000 empty capsules online and procured nearly 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide. He filled the capsules himself and was carrying around 14,900 capsules when he was intercepted,” Meena told reporters.

Police said the accused had no authorisation to distribute medicines or health supplements.

The alleged plot was foiled largely due to the vigilance of three women volunteers overseeing arrangements during the Muharram procession.

One of the volunteers said suspicion arose because the accused was distributing the capsules in a manner completely at odds with the tradition of offering tabarruk, which is shared respectfully among mourners.

“Tabarruk is always distributed with respect by handing it over to people. He was throwing the capsules into the crowd, which was unusual and immediately made us suspicious,” she said.

When the volunteers confronted him, the accused allegedly claimed that the capsules were immunity boosters. Unconvinced, they opened one of the capsules and found powder inside, following which they immediately alerted the police.

An announcement was simultaneously made over loudspeakers urging participants not to consume any capsules being distributed by the suspect.

Police said a substantial number of capsules had already been handed out before the accused was detained, although officials are still verifying exactly how many people consumed them.

Investigators said Premji allegedly targeted mourners participating in the Ashura procession, particularly those engaged in self-flagellation.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted that he intended to target the Muharram procession. According to police sources, he claimed he wanted to cause mass casualties, allegedly telling investigators that he intended to kill thousands of people. The alleged confession is being treated as part of the ongoing investigation.

A case has been registered at Byculla Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 109, 110 and 123, relating to attempting to murder, administering poison and causing hurt by means of poison with intent to commit an offence. Further charges may be added as the investigation progresses.

Premji was produced before a local court, which remanded him to two days’ police custody.

Police described the accused as a professed atheist who runs a paint business in Pune. He had travelled to Mumbai a few days before the procession and was staying at a dormitory and guest house in the Dongri area.

Investigators are also examining his travel history after discovering that he had visited Iran and Iraq several times since 2019. Police said he had made multiple visits to the two countries over the years, including frequent trips in the recent past.

Officials said the accused’s sister works as a physiotherapist in Iran, while his mother is also currently in Iran. Police added that Premji is estranged from his wife.

His mobile phone, electronic devices, financial transactions and communication records are being scrutinised to ascertain whether he acted alone or had links with any individual or organisation.

“The investigation is being carried out from every possible angle. We are examining whether there is any larger conspiracy or network behind the alleged plot,” a senior police officer said.

The seized capsules have been sent for forensic examination to confirm their chemical composition.

Police maintained that the timely intervention by the women volunteers and the swift response by officers prevented what could have been a catastrophic incident during one of Mumbai’s largest Muharram gatherings.