A man has been arrested for allegedly trying to cause “mass damage” by distributing capsules filled with rat poison disguised as painkillers during a Muharram procession in Mumbai.
Mumbai Police said the accused was distributing capsules containing zinc phosphide, a rodenticide, a type of insecticide specially designed to kill rodents, such as rats, mice, squirrels and beavers. According to Mumbai Police, a major tragedy was averted with his arrest.
According to a report in Deccan Herald, the man has been identified as Faiz Premji, aged 39 and residing in Pune.
The accused purchased 50 kg of zinc phosphide and 30,000 empty capsules, which he allegedly filled over the past 15 days during his stay in Mumbai, news agency ANI reported.
Police said he planned to distribute the capsules disguised as painkillers. Since his arrest, investigators have found 14,900 capsules and are searching for the remaining capsules and chemicals.
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The police said that the accused confessed to committing the crime. The case came to light after a man named Salman suffered vomiting and stomach pain after taking one of the capsules. The police immediately responded to the incident, tracked down the suspect, and then arrested him.
Jayant Meena, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Zone I, said, “Around 4 am, a man named Salman developed vomiting and stomach pain after taking one of those capsules. Linking the case, the police tracked down the suspect and arrested him. He confessed that it was a conspiracy to target the convoy and cause mass casualty.”
Police said they are investigating whether there is any foreign connection to this incident and whether there are more people involved.
“Thanks to the vigilance of the Mumbai Police, a major tragedy and possible mass casualties have been averted. So far, 14,900 capsules have been seized, while the remaining capsules and chemicals are still being traced. The accused, who runs a paint company, procured the chemicals through his business and ordered the empty capsules online. His foreign travel links and possible associates in Mumbai are also being investigated,” he added.
