'I Wanted To Kill At Least 15,000 People': Accused's Confession In Mumbai Muharram Poison Capsule Case

Published 28 June 2026 · local

'I Wanted To Kill At Least 15,000 People': Accused's Confession In Mumbai Muharram Poison Capsule Case Published By, Last Updated: June 28, 2026, 12:05 IST

'I Wanted To Kill At Least 15,000 People': Accused's Confession In Mumbai Muharram Poison Capsule Case Published By, Last Updated: June 28, 2026, 12:05 IST Mumbai Police seized 14,900 poison-filled capsules after arresting a suspect accused of plotting a mass-casualty attack during a Muharram procession. Premji was arrested for distributing capsules during a Muharram procession in Mumbai (Photos: Social Media) The man arrested for distributing poisonous capsules during a Muharram procession in Mumbai confessed that he intended to kill thousands of participants and admitted that his actions were aimed at triggering mass casualties during the religious procession. “I wanted to kill at least 15,000 people," he allegedly told the police after being caught, a report with NDTV mentioned. The alleged confession comes after Mumbai Police foiled what officials described as a major conspiracy to target the Muharram procession by distributing capsules containing zinc phosphide, a highly toxic rodenticide.

Police personnel deployed during the Muharram procession under the jurisdiction of Byculla Police Station noticed a suspicious man distributing capsules among participants. The capsules were seized, and further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Zone-I) Jayant Meena said the accused had confessed to planning to distribute the capsules disguised as painkillers in an attempt to cause “mass harm." “Around 4 am, a man named Salman fell ill with vomiting and stomach pain after consuming one of those capsules. Linking the case, police traced and arrested the suspect. He confessed it was a conspiracy to target the procession and cause mass harm," Meena said. “He had procured 50 kg of zinc phosphide and 30,000 empty capsules, filling them over the past 15 days while staying in Mumbai. His plan was to distribute them disguised as painkillers," he added.

Police said zinc phosphide, commonly used as a rodenticide, was found inside the capsules allegedly being distributed by the accused. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police said prompt action by officers on duty prevented what could have turned into a major tragedy. “Due to the alertness of the Mumbai Police, a major tragedy and possible mass casualty was averted. So far, 14,900 capsules have been seized, with the remaining capsules and chemicals still under investigation." “The accused, who runs a paint business, sourced chemicals through his trade and ordered capsules online. His foreign travel links and possible associates in Mumbai are also being investigated," DCP Meena said, according to ANI. Investigators were also examining the accused’s foreign travel history and probing whether others were involved in the alleged plot. The investigation is continuing, with police attempting to establish the full scope of the alleged conspiracy and identify any possible associates.