Mumbai police arrest man for allegedly distributing rat poison capsules at Muharram rally

Mumbai police on Saturday arrested a 39-year-old man from Pune for allegedly distributing capsules filled with zinc phosphide, a common rodenticide, near a Muharram procession in south Mumbai. The suspect, identified as Faiyaz Premji, was taken into custody Friday night after police received a tip-off about a possible poisoning attempt at the religious gathering of the Shia community.

According to police officials, Premji was found in possession of approximately 14,000 capsules containing zinc phosphide, a substance widely used as rat poison. The capsules were packed in a blue plastic bag. Police said the suspect admitted to being a Shia Muslim and claimed he intended to poison attendees of the Muharram procession. However, no injuries or illnesses have been reported.

Police stated that Premji had been staying in a dormitory in Pune before checking into a hotel in south Mumbai earlier this week. He allegedly received a delivery of the capsules at the hotel. Investigators are probing whether he acted alone or had accomplices, and what his precise motive was. The suspect has been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including attempt to murder and causing harm by unlawful means.

Muharram processions are held annually by Shia Muslims to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. The event draws large crowds and is often a target of sectarian tensions. However, police have not linked this incident to any broader conspiracy or extremist group at this stage.

Senior police officials said they are treating the case with utmost seriousness and have enhanced security around Muharram events in the city. They urged the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activity. The investigation is ongoing.