In what Mumbai Police have described as a major security breakthrough, a Pune-based businessman has been arrested for allegedly planning to distribute poison-filled capsules during a Muharram procession in Mumbai. Investigators claim the timely operation prevented a possible large-scale tragedy after nearly 15,000 capsules containing a toxic substance were seized from the suspect.
The accused has been identified as Faiyaz Premji, a resident of Pune’s Viman Nagar area, where he reportedly operates a paint business. According to police, he had been staying at a guest house in Mumbai’s Dongri locality before his arrest.
Officials said the alleged conspiracy came to light after intelligence inputs prompted surveillance on the suspect. During the operation, police recovered 14,900 capsules that they claim were filled with zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical commonly used as rat poison. Investigators alleged that each capsule contained around one gram of the poisonous substance.
According to Mumbai Police, the capsules were allegedly meant to be distributed among participants during the Muharram procession passing through the JJ Hospital and Byculla areas. Officers claim the suspect intended to trigger mass poisoning by circulating the capsules among devotees taking part in the religious event.
Police said they acted after receiving information during the early hours of the morning about a person complaining of vomiting and stomach discomfort. The information led officers to the suspect, who was detained for questioning. During the investigation, police claim the accused admitted that he intended to target the Muharram procession. These alleged admissions are part of the ongoing investigation and have not yet been tested in court.
Investigators further alleged that the accused had procured nearly 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide and had spent several days preparing capsules at his premises. Police believe he intended to manufacture around 30,000 capsules but was intercepted before the alleged plan could be completed. The seizure of 14,900 capsules, officials said, may have prevented a major disaster.
A criminal case has been registered against the accused under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to administering poison and attempt to murder. Police have begun collecting forensic and digital evidence to strengthen the case.
The investigation has also widened beyond Maharashtra after officials revealed that the accused had travelled to Iran and Iraq multiple times between 2019 and 2025. According to police, he visited the two countries 19 times in the past year alone. Investigators are now examining the purpose of those trips and whether they have any connection with the alleged conspiracy.
Police said the accused’s sister is employed as a physiotherapist in Iran, while his mother is currently residing there. Officials also stated that the accused is divorced and belongs to the Shia Khoja Muslim community. Investigators clarified that these details are being examined as part of the background investigation and do not by themselves establish any criminal link.
Authorities are analysing the accused’s mobile phone, financial records, digital communications and contacts to determine whether he acted independently or was part of a larger network. Investigators are also probing whether any individuals or organisations may have influenced or assisted him.
Mumbai Police said the investigation remains at an early stage and is being carried out from every possible angle. Officials maintain that swift police action prevented what they believe could have been a serious incident during one of Mumbai’s major religious processions. Further arrests have not been ruled out as investigators continue to examine evidence gathered during the operation.
