Psycho Tried To Kill 15,000 By Mass Poisoning?

Mumbai Police have prevented what officials describe as one of the biggest mass poisoning attempts in the city’s history after arresting a man accused of distributing poison filled capsules during Muharram processions.

The accused, identified as 39 year old Fayaz Premji from Pune, allegedly handed out capsules claiming they were painkillers to people participating in the religious procession in Mumbai’s Byculla area.

The plot came to light after a 26 year old participant consumed one of the capsules and soon developed severe vomiting and stomach pain. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors alerted the police.

Acting swiftly, police detained the suspect and recovered a large number of capsules. Preliminary forensic findings revealed that the capsules contained zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical commonly used as rat poison.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Meena, the accused had allegedly procured around 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide and nearly 3,000 empty capsules. Investigators believe he spent the last two weeks filling the capsules before planning to distribute them as pain relief medicine during the Muharram procession.

Police have so far seized nearly 1,490 capsules, while searches are continuing for additional stock and chemicals. The seized material has been sent for detailed forensic examination. Police believe the suspect’s alleged plan had the potential to endanger nearly 15,000 people who had gathered for the Muharram procession, making it one of the most serious mass poisoning plots the city has ever faced.

During questioning, the accused reportedly failed to provide a convincing reason for his actions. Authorities are also examining his mental health and investigating his previous foreign travel, including visits to Iraq and Iran, to determine whether there were any larger links behind the alleged conspiracy.

A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the investigation is ongoing.