Rat poison, AI searches, secret Mumbai hideout: How Pune man planned mass poisoning during Muharram

Mumbai, June 29 (IANS) Investigators probing the alleged mass poisoning attempt during a Muharram procession in Mumbai have uncovered what they describe as a meticulously planned operation involving online purchases, AI-assisted research, and thousands of poison-filled capsules prepared over several days.

According to Mumbai police sources, 39-year-old Fayaz Premji, a Pune resident who was arrested on June 27 near Rahmatabad graveyard, allegedly intended to poison thousands of people by distributing capsules laced with zinc phosphide, a toxic compound commonly used as rat poison. Officials claim the accused confessed during questioning that he wanted to kill around 15,000 people.

The investigation has revealed that Premji allegedly rented a room in Mumbai’s Dongri area, where he established a makeshift facility to prepare the capsules. Police said he ordered nearly 50 kg of zinc phosphide and around 30,000 empty capsules online before spending days filling them individually with the poisonous substance. Each capsule reportedly contained about one gram of zinc phosphide.

During searches, investigators recovered approximately 15,000 poison-filled capsules along with additional quantities of the toxic chemical. According to police, the accused had planned to prepare a total of 30,000 capsules before distributing them among devotees participating in the Muharram procession.

Investigators have also found that Premji allegedly used an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool on his mobile phone to study the effects of consuming zinc phosphide in different quantities. His mobile phone has now been sent for forensic examination, while cyber experts are analysing his Internet searches, digital communications, and browsing history to reconstruct the planning behind the alleged conspiracy.

Police are also trying to establish how the accused procured such a large quantity of zinc phosphide and the route through which the chemical was delivered. Officials from Mumbai Police, assisted by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and central agencies, are examining financial transactions, mobile records, and digital contacts to determine whether Premji acted alone or had support from others.

The probe has further revealed that Premji allegedly persuaded several volunteers to distribute the capsules during the religious procession by falsely claiming they were vitamin supplements, immunity boosters, or painkillers. The volunteers were reportedly unaware of the capsules’ contents.

At least 11 people are believed to have consumed the capsules before falling ill. Victims, including Salman Syed and Ali Abbas, told investigators they were informed that the capsules would improve immunity. Soon after consuming them, they began vomiting and were rushed to hospital. Police said all those affected are now out of danger.

According to investigators, Premji is a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) graduate who operates a painting business in Pune’s Viman Nagar. Police have recorded the statement of his father, while his mother and sister are reported to be residing in Iran.

Officials are also looking into his travel history, which shows that he made several visits to Middle Eastern countries between 2019 and 2025, including 19 trips over the past year. Investigators are examining whether these travels have any connection with the ongoing case.

During searches at his Pune residence, police reportedly found a large number of rats, leading investigators to suspect that the accused was familiar with zinc phosphide because of its use as a rodent poison.

Police sources further said that Premji told investigators he had become deeply frustrated with life after personal setbacks, including the breakdown of his marriage.

According to information received from police, Fayaz Premji was abandoned by his wife and he had made the entire world his enemy in his mind.

Police stated that during the preliminary investigation, the accused claimed that he wanted to take revenge on everyone in the world… as if everyone had done this to him together.

They are also examining whether he had any history of psychiatric treatment or underlying mental health issues.

–IANS

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