Mumbai Police have uncovered disturbing details behind what investigators believe was a meticulously planned attempt to trigger mass casualties during a Muharram procession, after arresting 39-year-old Pune resident Fayyaz Nisar Hussain Premji. Police stated that Premji intended to distribute capsules laced with zinc phosphide, a highly toxic rodenticide, among thousands of participants, with investigators estimating that the plot could have endangered nearly 30,000 people had it gone undetected.
The investigation has now taken a more disturbing turn. According to police, Premji told investigators that he wanted to “take revenge on the whole world” after his wife separated from him nearly two years ago. Officials said he believed the world had conspired against him and allegedly confessed that he intended to kill at least 15,000 people by disguising poison capsules as painkillers during the religious procession.
Police have also indicated that Premji appears to be mentally disturbed and are verifying whether he had undergone psychiatric treatment before the incident.
A deadly plan concealed behind an act of charity
The conspiracy came to light during the Muharram procession in Mumbai’s Byculla area when police personnel noticed capsules being distributed to participants under the guise of medicines. The practice did not initially arouse suspicion because volunteers routinely distribute food, water, juice, and medicines during Muharram processions.
However, the situation changed when Salman Saiyed complained of severe stomach pain and vomiting after consuming one of the capsules. As more participants reportedly experienced nausea and fainting, police detained the suspect and immediately launched an investigation.
A subsequent search led officers to a rented room in Mumbai’s Dongri locality, where Premji had been staying for nearly 15 days. There, investigators recovered 14,900 capsules already filled with zinc phosphide. Police believe he had intended to prepare around 30,000 capsules, but was intercepted before completing the operation.
Investigators further revealed that Premji had allegedly purchased nearly 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide and approximately 30,000 empty capsules, spending several days filling each capsule with about one gram of the highly poisonous substance.
Probe widens to overseas links and procurement trail
Premji, a BBA graduate who operated a paint business with his father in Pune’s Viman Nagar, is also under scrutiny for his overseas connections. His mother and sister reside in Iran, and investigators have confirmed that he maintained regular contact with them. Police are examining the nature of these interactions while also scrutinising his financial transactions, digital communications, mobile phone records and travel history, including multiple visits to Iran and Iraq between 2019 and 2025.
Investigators are simultaneously attempting to establish how he procured such a large quantity of zinc phosphide and whether he acted entirely alone or received logistical assistance from others.
Police sources further indicated that Premji allegedly researched the toxic effects of zinc phosphide online before executing his plan and enlisted women to distribute the capsules by presenting them as pain relief medication, exploiting the atmosphere of trust associated with the religious gathering.
Zinc phosphide is an extremely toxic rodenticide that releases phosphine gas upon contact with stomach acid, causing rapid cellular damage and potentially fatal multi-organ failure. Even small quantities can prove lethal if treatment is delayed.
A case has been registered at Byculla Police Station under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to administering poison with the intent to commit an offence. Investigators continue to examine every aspect of the conspiracy as they seek to determine whether the foiled plot was the act of a lone individual or part of a broader network.
