Investigators in Mumbai have uncovered a meticulously planned operation during a Muharram procession, involving online purchases, AI-assisted research, and thousands of poison-filled capsules. The suspect, 39-year-old Fayaz Premji from Pune, was arrested for allegedly planning to distribute capsules laced with zinc phosphide to poison thousands of people. He confessed to intending to kill around 15,000 individuals.
Premji rented a room in Mumbai’s Dongri area to prepare the capsules, ordering 50 kg of zinc phosphide and 30,000 empty capsules online. He spent days filling the capsules with the toxic substance, with each containing approximately one gram of zinc phosphide. Investigators found around 15,000 poison-filled capsules and additional quantities of the toxic chemical during searches.
The suspect used an AI tool on his mobile phone to study the effects of zinc phosphide consumption. His phone is undergoing forensic examination, and cyber experts are analyzing his online activities to reconstruct the alleged conspiracy. Authorities are investigating how Premji acquired the zinc phosphide and the delivery route of the chemical, examining financial transactions and digital communications.
Premji allegedly persuaded volunteers to distribute the capsules during the procession by falsely claiming they were supplements. At least 11 people consumed the capsules, believing they were immunity boosters, and fell ill. The victims, including Salman Syed and Ali Abbas, reported vomiting and were hospitalized but are now out of danger. Police are also looking into Premji’s travel history and personal life for further insights.
