Mumbai, June 30 (IANS) New details have emerged in the investigation into the alleged plot to poison a large number of people during the Muharram procession in Mumbai. Accused Faiyaz Premji allegedly told the police that his intention was not to kill anyone but to cause distress during the Muharram procession.
According to investigators, he had even conducted a trial run before the incident to determine the dosage that could prove fatal. Based on the results, he allegedly prepared one-gram packets for the capsules to ensure that consuming them would not result in death.
Investigators have uncovered information about the accused, Faiyaz Nisar Hussain Premji (39), including his troubled family life, alleged social ostracisation, and deteriorating mental health.
According to Mumbai Police, around two weeks before the Muharram procession, Premji checked into a budget hotel near the procession route. During his stay, he allegedly ordered around 30,000 empty capsules and nearly 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical commonly used as a rodenticide, through an online platform. Police said he spent several days in the hotel room filling and preparing the capsules.
The investigation further revealed that Premji’s marital and family life had reportedly collapsed, leaving him emotionally distressed and allegedly harbouring resentment towards members of his own community.
Police claimed that he had developed resentment towards his religion and had, a few years ago, distributed pamphlets opposing certain practices and traditions followed by the Muslim community. Following this, religious leaders allegedly ostracised his family from the community.
After being socially isolated, Premji moved to Pune along with his mother, elder brother Mohammad Abbas, and two younger sisters, Sakina and Rubina. He reportedly made occasional visits to Mumbai, where he stayed in dormitories. Premji holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree and was married, but his wife reportedly left him around four years ago.
Investigators believe that strained family relationships and a feeling of neglect by his brother and other relatives contributed to his deteriorating mental condition. Police also stated that he had been taking various medicines and psychiatric pills for some time.
In 2019, Premji moved to Iran along with his mother, brother, and sisters, where the family started a fast-food business and he returned to Pune in 2025. His two sisters remain unmarried.
According to his statement, his grandfather had also opposed what he considered rigid practices within the Shia community, which investigators believe may have influenced Premji’s views.
Police said Premji had allegedly been waiting for the Muharram procession for more than a year after returning to Pune in 2025 and had planned the attack well in advance. During the investigation, he allegedly told police that he learned how to prepare capsules through online videos and manufactured nearly 30,000 capsules after watching tutorials on YouTube.
According to investigators, Premji believed that members of his own community were responsible for his failed marriage, family disputes, and personal hardships. Police allege that he decided to target members of a particular Islamic sect in an act of revenge.
During a Muharram procession in Mumbai’s Byculla and Dongri areas, Premji was allegedly seen distributing capsules from a bag among participants. When police personnel deployed for security questioned him, he allegedly claimed that the capsules were painkillers meant to relieve discomfort caused by injuries sustained during the procession.
However, shortly afterwards, two individuals, including Salman Sayed, complained of uneasiness and vomiting. Police were informed that both had consumed the capsules allegedly distributed by Premji.
Police subsequently detained Premji at a hotel in Dongri. During a search, officers allegedly recovered 14,900 capsules filled with rat poison powder. Investigators also confirmed that he had purchased around 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide and nearly 30,000 empty capsules.
Police said Premji remains in custody and is being intensively questioned. Investigators are examining whether his mental health and personal grievances played a significant role in the alleged conspiracy.
So far, investigators have found no evidence suggesting any terror links. Police said that although Premji allegedly harboured resentment towards members of his own community, there is currently no indication that he was radicalised or associated with any extremist organisation.
–IANS
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