Mumbai Police allege a Pune man planned to distribute 30,000 zinc phosphide-filled capsules after procuring 50 kg of zinc phosphide (rat poison). Here’s how the chilling plot unfolded.
It sounds like the script of a thriller—but Mumbai Police say it was frighteningly real. A suspected plan to unleash one of India’s worst mass poisoning attacks was allegedly foiled just in time after a man was caught distributing capsules laced with zinc phosphide (rat poison) during a Muharram procession. Investigators claim the accused had procured around 50 kg of zinc phosphide, ordered 30,000 empty gelatin capsules online, and intended to pass them off as painkillers in a bid to cause mass casualties.
The alleged conspiracy surfaced after at least 11 people reportedly fell ill shortly after consuming the capsules. Their prompt medical treatment and the swift intervention of volunteers and Mumbai Police prevented what officials describe as a potential catastrophe.
“I Wanted to Kill 15,000 People”: Police
The accused, identified as 39-year-old Fayyaz Premji from Pune, allegedly confessed during interrogation that he intended to kill at least 15,000 people.
According to investigators, Premji allegedly told police that he wanted to “take revenge against the whole world” and deliberately chose the crowded Muharram procession because of the large gathering.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jayant Meena said the accused had allegedly ordered 30,000 empty capsules online and procured about 50 kg of zinc phosphide, a highly toxic rodenticide. Police claim he filled each capsule with approximately one gram of the poison before distributing them as if they were painkillers.
The alleged confession forms part of the police investigation and has not yet been tested before a court.
Zinc phosphide capsule conspiracy busted
Swift Mumbai police action prevents a potential mass casualty incident
Nearly 14,900 zinc phosphide-laced capsules recovered during probe @eriknjoka tells you more pic.twitter.com/GXznlAYtP0
— WION (@WIONews) June 28, 2026
Who Is Fayyaz Premji?
Police say Premji is a resident of Viman Nagar, Pune, where he worked with his father in a paint manufacturing business.
Investigators have also found that his mother and sister live in Iran. Travel records reportedly show that between 2019 and 2025, he made several trips to Iran and Iraq, including three visits to Iran within just 19 days. Police are examining whether these foreign trips have any relevance to the case, although no foreign link has been established so far.
A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) graduate and divorcee, Premji was described by some neighbours as emotionally disturbed following the breakdown of his marriage. Police, however, have not officially linked his mental condition to the alleged offence.
How the Alleged Plot Was Hatched
According to investigators, Premji arrived in Mumbai from Pune around 15 days before the Muharram procession and checked into Hotel Sun Dormitory in Dongri.
During questioning, he allegedly told investigators that he got the idea after noticing a severe rat infestation near his Pune residence. Police say he spent days researching the effects of zinc phosphide online before deciding to use the chemical.
Investigators allege he then purchased 50 kg of zinc phosphide and 30,000 empty gelatin capsules through online sources. Police claim he manually filled the capsules with the toxic powder and planned to distribute them among procession participants by falsely presenting them as medicines.
Investigators further allege that he persuaded a few women present at the procession to help distribute the capsules, claiming they were taking part in a charitable act.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: On suspicious individual selling poisonous capsules during Muharram procession, DCP Jayant Meena says, “… Last night, during the Moharram procession in the jurisdiction of Byculla Police Station, Mumbai Police noticed a suspicious man distributing… pic.twitter.com/GGbGyptMGZ
— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2026
How the Plot Was Foiled
The alleged conspiracy began to unravel when volunteers noticed the accused handing out capsules to people in the procession.
Soon afterwards, several recipients complained of nausea, vomiting and stomach discomfort. Volunteers immediately alerted police, who detained the suspect and issued public announcements asking people not to consume the capsules.
Police later recovered 14,900 poison-filled capsules from the accused’s possession. Authorities believe thousands more had been prepared but had not yet been distributed.
All those who fell ill reportedly survived after receiving timely medical treatment.
Why Zinc Phosphide Is Deadly
Zinc phosphide is one of the most toxic rodenticides used in agriculture. When swallowed, it reacts with stomach acid to release phosphine gas, a lethal substance capable of rapidly damaging the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and nervous system.
Medical experts say there is no specific antidote for zinc phosphide poisoning. Treatment depends largely on rapid hospitalisation and intensive supportive care, making early intervention crucial for survival.
Investigation Widens
While investigators claim the accused’s alleged confession points to a desire for indiscriminate revenge, the exact motive remains under investigation.
Mumbai Police are now examining Premji’s financial transactions, travel records, mobile phone data, internet searches and digital communications to determine whether he acted alone or had assistance. Officials are also scrutinising his repeated visits to Iran and Iraq, although no evidence of any organised network or foreign involvement has been made public so far.
With forensic analysis still underway and digital evidence being examined, investigators believe the case could reveal more details in the coming days.
What Is Confirmed So Far
- Police arrested Fayyaz Premji, a resident of Pune.
- At least 11 people reportedly fell ill after consuming the capsules.
- Police seized 14,900 suspected poison-filled capsules.
- Investigators allege the accused ordered 30,000 empty gelatin capsules and procured around 50 kg of zinc phosphide.
- The alleged confession and motive remain part of the ongoing investigation and are yet to be examined by a court.
