Mumbai Police Averts Tragedy During Muharram Procession by Arresting Poison Distributor
A Narrow Escape from Disaster in Mumbai
On Friday, a significant tragedy was narrowly avoided during the Muharram procession in Mumbai. The police acted swiftly to apprehend an individual distributing poison capsules among the crowd. The suspect, identified as Fayaz Premji, was taken into custody in the Bhaykhala area after several people fell ill shortly after consuming the capsules he handed out.
Dangerous Chemical Found in Capsules
Investigations revealed that the capsules contained a highly toxic chemical known as 'zinc phosphide,' commonly used in rat poison. While in police custody, Premji confessed to his shocking intentions, stating that he aimed to poison thousands of participants in the procession. A local court has since remanded him to police custody for two days.
Poison Disguised as Immunity Booster
Fayaz Premji was distributing these capsules near the Rahmatabad cemetery during the Ashura procession, misleading the crowd by claiming they were painkillers and immunity boosters. After consuming the capsules, at least 11 individuals experienced severe health issues and were rushed to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, all of them are now out of danger. One affected individual, Salman Syed, reported experiencing intense stomach pain and vomiting after ingestion.
Police Seizes 14,900 Poisonous Capsules
Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Meena confirmed that the capsules contained the dangerous zinc phosphide and that Premji lacked any legal authorization to distribute medications. The police acted promptly, seizing approximately 14,900 capsules from the suspect. Preliminary investigations indicated that he had already distributed a significant quantity of these capsules before the police arrived. Additionally, DCP Meena revealed that Premji had previously ordered 30,000 empty capsules and 50 kilograms of phosphorus.
Women Volunteers Save Thousands
The credit for averting a major disaster goes to three female volunteers who spotted the suspect distributing the capsules suspiciously. They quickly intervened, alerted the police, and announced over a loudspeaker to warn people against consuming the capsules. Upon questioning, Premji claimed they were immunity boosters, but the women opened one capsule to find a suspicious powder inside. They immediately called the police, leading to Premji's arrest on the spot.
Suspect's Background and Investigation into Terror Links
During interrogation, the suspect admitted, "I wanted to kill at least 15,000 people participating in the procession." Authorities revealed that he is a BBA graduate with a history of foreign travel, having previously visited Iran and Iraq. A case has been registered against him under Section 123 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for causing harm through poison. The police are now investigating potential terror links or masterminds behind this plot.
The Dangers of Zinc Phosphide
Zinc phosphide is an extremely toxic and lethal chemical. Upon ingestion, it reacts with stomach acid to produce phosphine gas, which poses severe health risks, attacking the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain. Alarmingly, there is no specific antidote for this poison. The only recourse in such cases is immediate hospitalization, where treatment and ventilator support may be necessary to save lives.