Mumbai Muharram News: A 39-year-old man was arrested for distributing capsules containing rat poison during Muharram procession in Byculla, a culturally rich neighbourhood in Maharashtra's Mumbai. Upon arrest, the police recovered around 14,900 capsules containing Zinc Phosphide from the man.
Accused Had Procured 50 Kg Zinc Phosphide, 30,000 Empty Capsules
the incident came to light after a young man named Salman Sayed consumed the capsules and subsequently complained of vomiting and uneasiness. He was immediately taken to the hospital, where he received treatment and is now out of danger.
"Around 4 am, a man named Salman fell ill with vomiting and stomach pain after consuming one of those capsules. Linking the case, police traced and arrested the suspect. He had procured 50 kg of zinc phosphide and 30,000 empty capsules, filling them over the past 15 days while staying in Mumbai," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Central Zone-I, Jayant Meena said, as quoted by ANI.
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Capsules Were Purchased Online
According to police, the accused Fayyaz Nisar Hussain Premji is a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) graduate. He purchased the capsules through an online platform. He was found staying at a hotel in Dongri. Premji planned to distribute the capsules as painkillers to devotees participating in the Ashura procession near the Rehmatabad Cemetery at Reay Road during Muharram. He confessed to the police that it was a conspiracy to target the procession and cause mass harm.
Based on the victim Saeed's complaint, the police have registered a case. Police are now investigating the motive behind the action and his suspicious background. The remaining capsules have been sent to a forensic science laboratory for chemical analysis to confirm their composition.
Accused Had Travelled To Iraq And Iran
The investigation revealed that Premji had traveled to Iraq and Iran. Police are investigating how the accused obtained such a large quantity of capsules online and whether any other individuals were involved in the alleged act.
"The accused, who runs a paint business, sourced chemicals through his trade and ordered capsules online. His foreign travel links and possible associates in Mumbai are also being investigated," Meena added.
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How Dangerous Is Zinc Phosphide?
Zinc phosphide is a highly toxic insecticide used to control rats and squirrels. Zinc phosphide is primarily used to kill rats. It is a dark brown or black chemical.
Upon reaching the stomach, it interacts with the acid and moisture present there and forms phosphine gas. This gas can block the supply of oxygen to the body's cells. Even very small amounts of zinc phosphide can cause poisoning.