Pune businessman charged with plotting mass poisoning of Mumbai Moharrum crowd
Police have filed a 700-page chargesheet against Fayyaz Premji for allegedly preparing thousands of zinc-phosphide capsules to poison up to 15,000 people during a Mumbai Moharrum procession.
A comprehensive 700-page chargesheet has been submitted to a Mazgaon court accusing Fayyaz Premji of planning a large-scale poisoning at a Moharram procession in Mumbai. Premji, who holds a BBA and operates a paint-manufacturing business in Pune, allegedly purchased over 50 kg of zinc phosphide, a highly toxic rat poison, and produced roughly 15,000 capsules while staying at a Dongri lodge for two weeks. Police detained him on June 26 after observing him distributing the pills, which he claimed were meant to ease pain from self-flagellation.
One recipient, 26-year-old Salman Sayeed, experienced nausea and was treated at a hospital; officials say at least ten people consumed the capsules, though only two reported symptoms. The capsules have been forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory for chemical analysis, and a supplementary chargesheet will follow once results are received. Premji is currently held at Arthur Road Jail.
Why it matters
The case highlights a serious public-health threat and raises concerns about safety at large religious gatherings.
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