Mumbai Police claim to have thwarted a significant plot to target a Muharram procession, detaining a Pune-based businessman and seizing a large cache of poison-filled capsules. Faiyaz Premji, identified as a Shia Khoja Muslim, was apprehended after officers recovered 14,900 capsules allegedly containing zinc phosphide, a highly toxic rat poison, which he reportedly intended to distribute among participants.

Investigators believe Premji’s alleged plan was to cause a major tragedy during the religious procession, which was slated to pass through the JJ and Byculla areas of Mumbai. The sheer volume of the seized capsules underscores the potential scale of the incident that authorities say was narrowly averted. Each capsule reportedly contained approximately one gram of the lethal substance.

Premji, a resident of Viman Nagar in Pune where he operates a paint business, had been staying at a guest house and dormitory in Mumbai’s Dongri area. Police sources indicate that he had allegedly spent several days meticulously filling capsules with the toxic substance at his premises, having procured a substantial 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide.

The alleged plot came to light around 4 a.m. when police received information about an individual complaining of vomiting and stomach pain, leading officers to Premji. During questioning, he reportedly admitted his intention to target the Muharram procession. This swift action by law enforcement is credited with preventing a potentially devastating public health and safety crisis.

Authorities have registered a case against Premji under Sections 109, 110, and 123 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These charges include serious offenses related to administering poison and attempt to murder, reflecting the gravity of the alleged conspiracy. Police estimate that Premji had planned to prepare nearly 30,000 such capsules, but their timely intervention halted the operation before half of the intended quantity could be distributed.

A critical aspect of the ongoing investigation involves Premji’s extensive international travel history. Police records show he traveled to Iran and Iraq multiple times between 2019 and 2025, with a striking 19 trips to these countries in the past year alone. This pattern of frequent travel has prompted investigators to scrutinize the purpose of these visits and explore whether the alleged plot has links to a larger, organised network.

Further details emerging from the investigation reveal that Premji’s sister works as a physiotherapist in Iran, and his mother is also currently residing there. He is reportedly divorced and does not live with his wife. These personal connections and circumstances are being examined as part of the broader inquiry into his motives and potential influences.

Investigators are meticulously examining Premji’s mobile phone, digital records, financial transactions, and contacts. The primary objective is to determine if he acted alone in devising and executing this alleged plot or if he was influenced or directed by any individual or organisation. The police are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to uncover the full scope of the conspiracy.

Mumbai Police officials have stated they are investigating the case from all possible angles, emphasizing that their intervention prevented a potential large-scale incident. The ongoing probe aims to ascertain the full extent of the alleged plot, identify any accomplices, and understand the underlying motivations behind such a dangerous and targeted act against a religious gathering.