Attempt to massacre 15,000 people: Man arrested for distributing poison pills at Muharram event

MUMBAI: A youth was arrested for distributing poison pills with the intention of massacring those participating in the Muharram procession. The police have taken into custody a person named Fayaz Premji from the Byculla area of ​​Mumbai. The incident came to light after around 11 people who consumed the pills he distributed suffered physical discomfort.

The accused distributed the tablets during the Ashura procession near Rahmatabad crematorium on Reay Road. Taking advantage of the rush, the accused distributed the pills concealed as pain relievers and immune boosters. According to the information provided by the police, it was confirmed that the capsules distributed by the accused contained the deadly poison zinc phosphide. It is a very dangerous chemical used in rat poison and other pesticides. During interrogation, the accused admitted to the police that he aimed to massacre at least 15,000 people.

The intervention of three women volunteers is said to have saved the lives of tens of thousands of people. When they noticed Fayaz Premji suspiciously distributing the pills, the women immediately stopped him and informed the police. When the volunteers opened the capsule and examined it, they found a suspicious powder inside. Then, an announcement was made through a loudspeaker not to consume the pill.

During the investigation, the police seized 14,900 pills from the accused. However, the initial conclusion is that a large quantity of pills had already been distributed. In addition, the police found that the accused had placed an order for 30,000 capsules and 50 kilograms of phosphorus. 11 people who took the pills experienced vomiting and stomach pain and were admitted to a nearby hospital. They are currently out of danger. The police also found that the accused has a foreign background. He had previously visited Iran and Iraq. The police are investigating whether there is a terrorist connection behind the incident.