Court remands accused in Mumbai Muharram zinc phosphide capsule case; police probe motive

Mumbai: A magistrate’s court has remanded 39-year-old Fayaz Nisar Hussain Premji to police custody until July 4 in connection with the alleged distribution of capsules containing zinc phosphide during a Muharram procession in south Mumbai. The probe is examining Premji’s family background, personal circumstances, alleged community disputes and the procurement of the suspected poison. During questioning, he allegedly expressed resentment towards members of the Shia community, blaming them for social, financial and personal hardships faced by his family.Police said Premji claimed that his family had been subjected to social boycott, harassment, repeated complaints and vandalism at their business establishment. Investigators are independently verifying these allegations to determine whether they contributed to the alleged conspiracy.Who Is Fayyaz Premji? Pune Man Arrested For Allegedly Distributing Nearly 15,000 Poison-Filled Capsules During Mumbai Muharram Procession According to investigators, Premji’s maternal grandfather, Abbas Ali Rajab Ali Charania, who lived in Mahuva in Gujarat and died in 2016, had criticised certain customs and traditions within the community. Premji allegedly told police that his grandfather frequently spoke against practices he considered superstitious.Investigators said Premji later began presenting himself as a reformer within the Khoja Shia community and associated with people who criticised religious practices on social media and online platforms. He had also distributed pamphlets in south Mumbai around 2009 opposing some community traditions.Uttar Pradesh Govt To Launch ‘Poison-Free Food’ Campaign Through Gaushalas Under Farm-To-Consumer Model Police said the family subsequently moved to Pune after allegedly facing ostracism. Premji, a Bachelor of Business Administration graduate, later moved to Iran with his mother and siblings in 2019 and started a fast-food business. He returned to Pune in 2025.Investigators are also examining his claim that marital breakdown, family instability and neglect by relatives caused prolonged mental stress. Police said he had been consuming various medicines and tablets. The inquiry is further focused on how he allegedly obtained 50 kg of zinc phosphide and around 30,000 empty capsules. Police claimed he learnt capsule-filling methods online and prepared them at home. His phone has been sent for forensic analysis. No extremist links have been established so far.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/ 

Mumbai: The investigation into the Muharram capsule case has taken a new turn after the accused, Fayyaz Premji, allegedly admitted during police interrogation that he had researched the hazardous effects of zinc phosphide using AI tools.Fayyaz Premji, a 39-year-old BBA graduate who allegedly distributed poisonous capsules during the Muharram procession, reportedly told investigators that he carried out the act because he viewed the world as his enemy.According to Mumbai Police's preliminary findings, the accused had harboured deep personal grievances and allegedly wanted to take revenge on society.Capsules allegedly distributed as painkillersPolice said Premji allegedly distributed the capsules along the Muharram procession route from Dongri to Rahmatabad Cemetery in Reay Road via Hancock Bridge.Who Is Fayyaz Premji? Pune Man Arrested For Allegedly Distributing Nearly 15,000 Poison-Filled Capsules During Mumbai Muharram ProcessionMoreover, investigators alleged that Premji, with malicious intent, distributed the capsules by passing them off as painkillers, claiming they were meant to provide relief to participants after performing Qama, a ritual observed by some mourners.Police have recorded statements from Premji's family members and sent his mobile phone for forensic examination. The investigation is ongoing, with officials probing how he procured zinc phosphide, whether he had any history of psychiatric treatment, and whether he acted alone or was part of a larger conspiracy.Several Victims hospitalisedHowever, the incident came to light after one of the alleged victims consumed the hazardous capsule. The victim, identified as 26-year-old Salman Mohammad Islam Syed, a resident of Shivaji Nagar in Govandi, developed severe stomach pain, nausea and vomiting after consuming it.Following the incident, Syed was admitted to Habib Hospital in Dongri, where he is currently undergoing treatment. After his arrest, Premji was produced before a Mumbai court, which remanded him in police custody for two days as the investigation continues.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Mumbai: A Mumbai court has remanded 39-year-old Faiyaz Premji to two days of police custody after his arrest for allegedly distributing capsules containing the highly toxic substance zinc phosphide during a Muharram procession, as investigators probe the motive behind the incident and whether it was part of a larger conspiracy. Premji was arrested by the Byculla police on June 27 after investigators uncovered an alleged plot to distribute poisonous capsules among devotees participating in the procession.Alleged Distribution During ProcessionAccording to the police, the accused allegedly distributed capsules filled with zinc phosphide during the Muharram procession held from Noor Baug in Dongri to Rahmatabad Cemetery in Reay Road via Hancock Bridge. The capsules were allegedly passed off as painkillers meant to provide relief to participants after performing Qama, a ritual observed by some mourners.The case came to light after complainant Salman Mohammad Islam Syed, 26, a resident of Shivaji Nagar in Govandi, consumed one of the capsules believing it to be a painkiller. Shortly after returning home, he developed severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting and was admitted to Habib Hospital in Dongri in the early hours of June 27. His statement was recorded by the police in the presence of the attending doctor.Syed, who works at a bag manufacturing unit in Govandi, had arrived at Noor Baug with his family around 3.30 pm on June 26 to participate in the Muharram procession and perform traditional mourning rituals.Victim's AccountAccording to his statement, he joined the procession at around 5.30 pm and reached Rahmatabad Cemetery at approximately 8.30 pm. After completing the ritual of Qama—a form of self-flagellation observed by some mourners—he was resting when he noticed a woman, believed to be between 40 and 45 years old, giving a capsule to her son.When Syed enquired about the medicine, the woman allegedly informed him that an unknown person participating in the procession had distributed the capsules, claiming they were painkillers meant to relieve pain after the Qama ritual. Believing the capsules to be harmless medication, Syed requested one, and the woman handed him a white-and-purple-coloured capsule, which he consumed.Nearly two hours later, Syed left the cemetery on his Activa scooter with his friend Ali Pathan. While riding back to Govandi, he experienced severe vomiting near the Mhada Chowki area. Even after reaching home, he complained of persistent nausea, stomach pain, restlessness, and an inability to sleep. He informed his family members and members of the Shia community about his deteriorating condition.As the incident had occurred during the Muharram procession in the Dongri area, community members advised his family to seek treatment at Habib Hospital in Dongri, where such cases are commonly referred during Muharram. Syed was admitted to the hospital at around 2.40 am on Saturday.Police subsequently recorded his statement in the presence of Dr Mikhail Supariwala at Habib Hospital.Also Watch:Mumbai Crime: 39-Year-Old Man Arrested With Nearly 15,000 Suspected Toxic Capsules During Muharram Procession; Police Probe Alleged Sabotage PlotInvestigation ContinuesInvestigators are now examining how the accused procured the poisonous substance, whether more capsules were distributed during the procession, and whether any other participants may have unknowingly consumed them. Police are also scrutinising CCTV footage, questioning witnesses, and awaiting forensic reports as part of the ongoing investigation.Officials said further investigation is underway to ascertain the motive behind the alleged act and to determine whether the accused had any accomplices or links to a wider criminal conspiracy.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Mumbai: Following the recent controversy over the alleged distribution of poisonous capsules during a Muharram procession in Mumbai, AIMIM leader Waris Pathan on Saturday termed the incident as worrisome and requested for an impartial investigation.Speaking to reporters, Pathan said, "I was also in the procession. It was possible that something like this could have happened to me as well. Someone could have approached me too. But I am thankful to Allah that no one gave me such a pill or capsule, and I did not consume anything."Mumbai, Maharashtra: On a Muharram Procession, AIMIM leader Waris Pathan says, "I was also in the procession. It was possible that something like this could have happened to me as well. It is possible that someone came like this. But I am thankful to Allah that no one gave me… pic.twitter.com/ACAnQAXTEa— IANS (@ians_india) June 27, 2026 He further said that the matter was extremely serious and called for an inquiry, alleging that it could have been part of a conspiracy to carry out such a heinous act during the procession."I was there, and you must have seen my video, which has gone viral. Our Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) was present, the entire police department was there, along with several social activists and political leaders," he added.Who is Fayyaz Nisar Hussain PremjiThe controversy came to light after a man identified as Fayyaz Nisar Hussain Premji was allegedly caught distributing capsules containing the highly toxic chemical zinc phosphide during the Muharram Ashura procession in Byculla.The accused has been arrested by the police. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to the crime and reportedly told investigators that he ‘wanted to kill at least 15,000 people.’According to NDTV, Premji is a resident of Pune and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. Investigators said he had previously worked in his father's business before moving abroad for employment. Moreover, the police further revealed that he had worked in Iran and Iraq, while his family currently resides in Iran.Who Is Fayyaz Premji? Pune Man Arrested For Allegedly Distributing Nearly 15,000 Poison-Filled Capsules During Mumbai Muharram ProcessionReports suggest that Premji arrived in Mumbai around 15 days before the procession and was allegedly staying in Dongri. During this period, he is believed to have purchased nearly 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide, a highly toxic substance commonly used as rat poison, along with approximately 30,000 empty antibiotic capsules through online platforms.Police allege that he filled the capsules himself and distributed them during the procession by falsely claiming they were painkillers. Investigators further allege that he also threw some of the capsules into the crowd while calling them ‘chocolates’ to encourage people to consume them. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Mumbai: Mumbai Police have arrested Fayyaz Nisar Hussain Premji, the man accused of allegedly distributing capsules filled with the highly toxic chemical zinc phosphide during a Muharram Ashura procession in Byculla. During police interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed that he 'wanted to kill at least 15,000 people,' sending shockwaves across the city.मुहर्रम में खाते दर्द वाला कैपसूल और सदा के लिए सो जाते 30 हजार मातमी,मुंबई में शियाओं के सामूहिक नरसंहार की साजिश का खुलासा,जहरीली दवाओं के जखीरे संग फैयाज को पुलिस ने दबोचा,कत्लेआम के बाद हिंदुओं को बदनाम करने की आशंका से इंकार नहीं,फिलहाल पूछताछ जारी, प्रशासनिक बयान की… pic.twitter.com/7AC8DvLIG9— Sudarshan News (@SudarshanNewsTV) June 28, 2026 What Is Known So Far About The Accused?According to an NDTV report quoting police sources, Fayyaz Premji is a resident of Pune and is highly educated, having completed a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. Investigators said he earlier worked in his father’s company before reportedly moving abroad for work. Police revealed that Premji had worked in Iran and Iraq in the past, while his family currently resides in Iran. Officials also said he has been living separately from his wife. Mumbai, Maharashtra: DCP Central Zone-I, Jayant Meena says, "Last night, during the Muharram procession under the jurisdiction of Byculla Police, a Mumbai Police patrol team found a man distributing capsules to people participating in the procession. Becoming suspicious, the… pic.twitter.com/TvruqPSd7L— IANS (@ians_india) June 27, 2026 Around 15 days before the Muharram procession, Premji allegedly arrived in Mumbai and stayed at a lodge in Dongri. During this period, he is believed to have ordered nearly 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide, a deadly chemical commonly used as rat poison, along with approximately 30,000 empty antibiotic capsules through online platforms.Cops suspect he manually filled the capsules with the toxic substance as part of a larger conspiracy. Police claim he specifically intended to target women participating in the Ashura procession.According to the probe, the accused distributed the capsules 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.How Did The Case Come To Light?The alleged plot came to light near Rahmatabad Kabristan at Reay Road after a woman reportedly grew suspicious about the free capsules being distributed. She allegedly opened one capsule and discovered unusual powder inside before immediately alerting Byculla Police.Mumbai, Maharashtra: DCP Central Zone-I, Jayant Meena says, "Last night, a Muharram procession was taking place within the jurisdiction of Byculla Police Station. During the procession, a suspicious individual was noticed distributing and selling capsules. Acting on suspicion, a… pic.twitter.com/rNpo7tg6T8— IANS (@ians_india) June 27, 2026 Police quickly detained Premji and recovered around 14,900 capsules from the spot. Officials said nearly 11 people had already consumed the capsules and later fell ill. All victims were rushed to hospitals and are now reported to be out of danger after receiving timely treatment.Doctors said zinc phosphide is an extremely hazardous poison. Once ingested, it reacts with stomach acid to release phosphine gas, which can severely damage the heart, lungs, liver and brain. According to the report, medical experts stated that there is no direct antidote available for the poison.Premji was produced before a court on Saturday night and remanded to two days of police custody. Mumbai Police are now investigating whether the case has any international links or possible terror angle. Further investigation is underway. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Mumbai, June 27: In a major security breakthrough, the Byculla Police have foiled a suspected sabotage plot during a Muharram procession in Mumbai by arresting a 39-year-old man allegedly distributing capsules containing the highly toxic chemical zinc phosphide. Police identified the accused as Fayyaz Premji and seized 14,900 capsules allegedly filled with the poisonous substance. Investigations are currently underway to determine the motive behind the act and whether others were involved.According to the police, the incident occurred on Friday evening near Rehmatabad Cemetery in the Reay Road area, where thousands had gathered to participate in the Muharram procession. The accused was allegedly approaching participants and distributing capsules free of cost, claiming they were pain-relief medicines and immunity boosters intended to improve health.Woman Alerts PoliceThe alleged plot came to light after a woman participating in the procession grew suspicious of the capsules being distributed. Unsatisfied with the explanations given by the distributor, she opened one of the capsules and noticed a red-coloured powder inside. Alarmed by the discovery, she immediately alerted police personnel deployed at the venue.Police had granted permission only for the distribution of food, drinking water and refreshments during the procession. The unauthorised distribution of capsules attracted the attention of officers, who intercepted the accused and recovered several capsules from his possession. Prompt police action prevented further distribution of the suspected toxic capsules, Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Meena said.During the investigation, one of the recipients of the capsules, identified as Salman Sayyed, allegedly consumed one and later developed severe stomach pain and vomiting. He was admitted to a hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. Police said his condition is stable, and his statement has been recorded.Probe Into Source Of CapsulesInvestigators revealed that the accused is a resident of Viman Nagar in Pune and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. He reportedly assists in his family's paint business. Police said he had been staying at a hotel in Mumbai's Dongri area for the past 15 days before the incident.The investigation has further revealed that the accused allegedly ordered 50 kg of zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical commonly used as a rodenticide, along with 30,000 empty capsules. According to preliminary findings, each capsule was allegedly filled with approximately one gram of zinc phosphide.Police have recovered 14,900 capsules, while the remaining capsules are yet to be traced. Investigators are working to determine whether any additional capsules were distributed elsewhere and have urged anyone who received such capsules during the procession not to consume them but instead surrender them to the nearest police station.Authorities have sent the seized capsules and powder samples to a forensic laboratory for scientific examination. A case has been registered at the Byculla Police Station under Section 123 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further investigation is in progress.Multiple Angles Under InvestigationDuring the investigation, police also seized the accused's passport, Aadhaar card and mobile phone. Officials revealed that Premji had travelled to Iran and Iraq in 2025 and that some of his relatives currently reside in Iran. Investigators are examining his travel history, financial transactions, digital communications and other possible connections.However, officials stressed that the investigation is still at a preliminary stage, and no conclusions have yet been reached regarding any possible links to terrorist organisations or whether the alleged act was intended to cause a large-scale attack.Also Watch: Muharram Observed Across Mumbai As Processions Draw Crowds; Police Action, Yogi Adityanath's Remarks Spark ControversyGiven the large crowds and extensive security arrangements during Muharram, investigators are treating the case with the utmost seriousness. Police are probing all possible angles, including the accused's motive, whether he acted alone, and whether any wider conspiracy was involved. Officials have stated that the exact intent behind the alleged act will become clear only after the investigation is completed.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/