The accused, identified as Fayyaz Premji, allegedly told investigators that he wanted to kill at least 15,000 people by passing off the capsules as painkillers or health boosters during the religious gathering. Police said the capsules contained zinc phosphide, a highly toxic compound commonly used in rat poison.
The arrest took place late on Friday during the procession in the Byculla area, where volunteers and police personnel became suspicious after Premji was seen handing out capsules to participants. Announcements were made asking people not to consume the pills, while police moved in to seize the remaining stock and detain him.
At least 11 people who had consumed the capsules complained of symptoms including vomiting and stomach pain. They were taken to hospital and were later said to be out of danger. Police are verifying how many capsules were distributed before the intervention and whether more people may have consumed them without immediately reporting symptoms.
Investigators seized about 14,900 capsules from the accused. Police said he had allegedly ordered 30,000 empty capsules and procured around 50 kg of zinc phosphide, raising concern that the alleged plan may have been prepared over several days and was not an impulsive act at the procession site.
Premji is believed to have arrived in Mumbai around two weeks before the incident and checked into a budget hotel in Dongri. Police are examining his movements in the city, online purchase records, call data, payment trails and possible contacts who may have helped him source materials or identify the procession as a target.
The accused allegedly claimed during questioning that distributing the pills was a “noble” act, a statement investigators are treating with caution as they assess his mental state, personal background and possible motive. Police are also checking whether he acted alone or had ideological, personal or communal reasons for targeting the gathering.
Officials have not confirmed any organised terror link so far. The inquiry has expanded to Pune, where police are speaking to people known to the accused and reviewing his business, travel and family background. Some details emerging from questioning have yet to be independently verified by investigators.
The case has prompted renewed scrutiny of security arrangements at large religious processions, where crowd density, informal distribution of food, water, medicines and religious offerings can make rapid detection of contamination difficult. Police officials said the timely response by volunteers and officers helped prevent a potentially grave incident.
Zinc phosphide is an acute toxic substance used to control rodents. Once ingested, it can release phosphine gas in the stomach, causing severe poisoning. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, breathing distress, shock and organ damage, depending on the dose consumed and how quickly treatment is provided.
The incident also highlights the risks posed by online access to chemicals and bulk supplies that can be misused when combined with deceptive distribution methods. Investigators are expected to question suppliers and examine whether standard purchase checks were bypassed or whether the materials were acquired in a manner that did not immediately trigger suspicion.
Police are preparing a detailed case covering alleged attempt to murder, poisoning, public endangerment and related offences. Forensic testing of the seized capsules will form a central part of the evidence, along with medical reports from those who fell ill and witness accounts from the procession route.
The Byculla incident comes at a time when city police forces are under pressure to secure large public gatherings without disrupting religious observances. Muharram processions draw thousands of participants in several parts of Mumbai, requiring coordination among police stations, traffic units, local committees and volunteers.
