Ex-Muslim arrested over plan to kill 15,000 Muslims in India
Police allege suspect distributed poison-filled capsules disguised as medicine during Ashura gathering and confessed he intended to kill thousands of Muslim mourners
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — An ex-Muslim man has been arrested in India after investigators accused him of plotting a mass poisoning attack targeting a Muharram procession in Mumbai by distributing capsules allegedly laced with a highly toxic chemical to Muslim mourners during one of the holiest days of the Shia Islamic calendar.
The alleged attack unfolded during Ashura commemorations near Rehmatabad Cemetery in Mumbai’s Byculla neighborhood, where thousands had gathered to observe Muharram, an annual period of mourning that commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet (PBUH).
According to Mumbai Police, the suspect, identified as Fayyaz Premji, approached participants and handed out capsules while claiming they were painkillers and immunity boosters. Authorities said at least 11 people fell ill after consuming the capsules and were taken to hospital. Police said all were later discharged and are in stable condition.
Investigators allege the capsules contained zinc phosphide, a highly toxic substance commonly used as rat poison. Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Meena said forensic examination indicated the capsules had been filled with the poisonous chemical without authorization.
Police said they recovered approximately 14,900 capsules from the suspect and believe many more had already been distributed before security volunteers intervened. Investigators also allege that Premji purchased about 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide and ordered 30,000 empty capsules, suggesting the alleged operation had been planned in advance.
According to police, the suspect admitted during questioning that the Muharram procession was his intended target and allegedly told investigators he wanted to kill around 15,000 people. Those alleged statements form part of the police investigation and have not been tested in court.
Authorities described the case as a possible attempted mass-casualty attack and said investigators are examining whether the suspect acted alone or had assistance. Police are reviewing financial records, digital evidence and the source of the toxic chemical while tracing any possible associates.
Investigators said Premji had been staying in Mumbai’s Dongri area for about two weeks before the incident.
Following the arrest, social media users shared videos showing Premji appearing in interviews with Hindu right-wing commentators including Madhu Kishwar and Neeraj Atri. Some online commentators argued that his public appearances reflected his proximity to Hindu right-wing circles.
Many users also questioned whether Premji, like other infamous Islamohobes such as Tarek Fatah and Saleem Vastik, had gained visibility through influential Hindu right-wing platforms.
Premji was produced before a local court and remanded to police custody. A criminal case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to administering poisonous substances with criminal intent. Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that all aspects of the alleged plot are being examined.
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