Pune man arrested in Byculla for distributing toxic rat poison capsules
The Mumbai Police have arrested a Pune resident, Fayyaz Nisar Hussain Premji, for allegedly distributing toxic capsules filled with rat poison during a Muharram Ashura procession in Byculla. The suspect allegedly planned to poison thousands of people, specifically targeting women, before a suspicious attendee alerted authorities near the Rahmatabad Kabristan at Reay Road.
The alleged plot came to light after a woman participating in the procession grew suspicious of the free capsules being distributed. Upon opening one of the capsules, she discovered an unusual powder inside and immediately alerted the Byculla Police.
Officers quickly detained Premji at the scene and recovered approximately 14,900 capsules. According to the police, 11 people had already consumed the capsules and subsequently fell ill. The victims were rushed to nearby hospitals and are now reported to be out of danger after receiving timely medical treatment.
Medical experts stated that the capsules were filled with zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical commonly used as rat poison. When ingested, the chemical reacts with stomach acid to release phosphine gas, which can cause severe damage to the heart, lungs, liver, and brain. Doctors noted that there is no direct antidote available for this poison.
During police interrogation, Premji allegedly confessed that he wanted to kill at least 15,000 people. To achieve this, he allegedly distributed the toxic capsules by claiming they were painkillers and immunity boosters. In some instances, he allegedly threw them into the crowd, calling them "chocolates" to encourage people to consume them.
Investigators revealed that Premji is a highly educated individual who holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. He previously worked at his father's company before moving abroad to work in Iran and Iraq. His family currently resides in Iran, and he has been living separately from his wife.
According to the police probe, Premji arrived in Mumbai around 15 days before the procession and stayed at a lodge in Dongri. During his stay, he allegedly ordered nearly 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide and approximately 30,000 empty antibiotic capsules through online platforms. Investigators suspect he manually filled the capsules with the toxic substance at the lodge.
Premji was produced before a local court on Saturday night and has been remanded to two days of police custody. The Mumbai Police are currently investigating the conspiracy, including potential international links or terror angles.
