The accused, identified as Faiyaz Nisar Hussain Premji, was detained on Friday night near the Rehmatabad Cemetery area during the procession after volunteers and police personnel noticed him handing out capsules to mourners. He allegedly told participants that the capsules were painkillers meant to relieve body ache during the long procession.
Police said around 14,900 capsules suspected to contain zinc phosphide, a toxic rodenticide commonly used to kill rats and mice, were seized from his possession and from premises linked to him. The material has been sent for forensic examination to establish its composition and concentration. Investigators are also checking how the chemical and empty capsules were procured.
The arrest followed complaints that some participants who had consumed the capsules developed vomiting, stomach pain and uneasiness. Several were taken for medical assessment and were reported to be out of danger. Police personnel later used local announcements to warn people not to consume any capsules received during the procession.
Premji, a resident of Viman Nagar in Pune, is reported to be associated with a family-run paint manufacturing business. Investigators said he had been staying at a guest house in Dongri before the procession. At that location, police recovered additional capsules and material believed to have been used for filling them. Officers are examining whether he acted alone or had logistical support.
A preliminary probe found that the accused had allegedly ordered large quantities of empty capsules and zinc phosphide through online channels. Police are verifying delivery records, digital payments, call data, hotel registers and travel details. His movements before arriving in Mumbai are also under scrutiny.
The case has been registered at Byculla police station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita dealing with attempt to murder, attempt to commit culpable homicide and causing hurt by poison or any stupefying, intoxicating or unwholesome substance. Police custody has been sought to interrogate him over motive, procurement and possible links with other persons.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Meena said a patrol team became suspicious after noticing a man distributing capsules during the procession. The capsules were seized and the person was questioned. He did not have any authorisation to distribute medicines or health supplements, police said.
The incident has raised concerns over security arrangements at large religious gatherings, where volunteers often provide water, food and basic assistance to participants. Police said the scale of the seizure indicated the need for strict checks on unauthorised distribution of consumables in crowded public events.
Zinc phosphide is a dangerous compound that can release phosphine gas after contact with stomach acid. Medical literature associates poisoning with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, breathlessness, shock, liver and kidney injury, and, in severe cases, death. Treatment usually focuses on rapid hospitalisation, supportive care and close monitoring, as there is no simple antidote.
The procession formed part of Muharram observances, which draw large crowds in several parts of Mumbai. Byculla, Reay Road and Dongri have sizeable participation during these events, requiring police deployment, traffic regulation and local coordination with community groups.
Police are taking statements from volunteers, participants who received capsules, medical staff and guest house employees. Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage from the procession route and nearby areas to establish how long the accused had been present and how many capsules may have been distributed before he was stopped.
The swift intervention of volunteers is emerging as a key part of the case. One of them reportedly questioned the accused after noticing the unusual manner in which the capsules were being offered. Police were then alerted, and the stock was seized before wider circulation.
Officials are treating the matter with caution because of its communal sensitivity and the possibility of rumours spreading online. Police have urged citizens to avoid unverified claims and to report any further information directly to investigators. Social media monitoring has been stepped up to prevent inflammatory posts around the incident.
Community organisers said public safety protocols at processions may now be tightened, including checks on stalls, volunteers and individuals offering food, water or medicine. Police are expected to issue advisories for upcoming gatherings, asking people not to accept tablets, powders, drinks or food from unknown persons.
