ACCUSED POSED AS PAIN RELIEVER DONOR TO DISTRIBUTE POISON-LACED CAPSULES AT MUMBAI MUHARRAM PROCESSION
Man arrested with nearly 15,000 zinc phosphide capsules; police probe links to Iran and Iraq visits
NewsArc Bureau Mumbai, June 27, 2026
A Pune-based man has been arrested in Mumbai for allegedly attempting to poison participants of a Muharram procession by distributing capsules laced with zinc phosphide — a chemical used in rat poison — under the guise of offering pain relief medicine.
THE INCIDENT
The incident took place in Mumbai’s JJ and Byculla areas during a Muharram procession. The accused, identified as Faiyaz Premji, distributed the capsules to several people attending the event, describing them as remedies for pain. Shortly after consuming a capsule, one individual developed severe stomach pain and began vomiting. Suspicion arose among those present, and a complaint was lodged with the police.
THE ARREST
Police arrested Faiyaz from the procession itself and recovered 14,900 capsules from his possession. Investigators found that each capsule contained approximately one gram of zinc phosphide. According to police, Faiyaz had procured 50 kilograms of the chemical and was in the process of preparing close to 30,000 such capsules.
ACCUSED’S BACKGROUND AND TRAVEL HISTORY
Faiyaz is a resident of Pune and runs a paint business. DCP Jayant Meena confirmed that interrogation had revealed the accused had specifically targeted the Muharram procession. “He had travelled to Iran and Iraq in 2025. The purpose of those trips and whether they are connected to this case are being investigated,” Meena said.
WHAT IS ZINC PHOSPHIDE AND WHY IS IT LETHAL
Zinc phosphide is a dark brown or black chemical classified among the most dangerous rodenticides in the world. When ingested, it reacts with stomach acid and moisture to produce phosphine gas, which prevents cells from utilising oxygen, causing rapid deterioration of vital organs. Symptoms include severe vomiting and abdominal pain, respiratory distress, dizziness and loss of consciousness, a sudden drop in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and liver and kidney failure. In serious cases, the compound can cause multi-organ failure and death.
Medical research indicates that even a small quantity of zinc phosphide can prove fatal, with lethality depending on the age, weight, and physical condition of the individual. There is no specific antidote; treatment is limited to supportive care.
LEGAL PROVISIONS
In India, zinc phosphide is regulated under the Insecticides Act, 1968. If the substance is deployed in a conspiracy to harm individuals or a crowd, the accused can face serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, and endangering public safety.
MUHARRAM VIOLENCE IN UJJAIN
In a separate incident, a video has surfaced from Ujjain’s Nayi Sadak area, purportedly filmed on June 25, showing youths attacking participants of a Muharram procession with sticks and plastic pipes, creating a stampede-like situation. The incident follows an earlier report from Ujjain of a car explosion during a Muharram procession in the city.
