Muharram poisoning: Accused waited over a year, blamed personal hardships on own community

Fresh details have emerged in the investigation into the alleged plot to poison a large number of people during the Muharram procession in Mumbai. Police claim accused Faiyaz Nisar Hussain Premji had been waiting for the Muharram procession for more than a year and allegedly planned the attack in advance. Investigators also said Premji told them his intention was not to kill anyone but to cause distress during the procession.

Police allege capsules were prepared after trial run

According to investigators, Premji conducted a trial run before the incident to determine a dosage that could prove fatal. Based on the results, he allegedly prepared one-gram capsules to ensure that consuming them would not result in death.

Police said that around two weeks before the Muharram procession, Premji checked into a budget hotel near the procession route. During his stay, he allegedly ordered nearly 30,000 empty capsules and around 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide, a highly toxic rodenticide, through an online platform and spent several days filling the capsules.

Investigation reveals troubled personal life

Investigators said Premji’s marital and family life had reportedly collapsed, leaving him emotionally distressed and allegedly harbouring resentment towards members of his own community.

Police claimed he had earlier distributed pamphlets opposing certain practices followed by the Muslim community, following which religious leaders allegedly ostracised his family. After the social boycott, Premji moved to Pune with his mother, elder brother Mohammad Abbas and younger sisters Sakina and Rubina, while making occasional visits to Mumbai.

Premji, who holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree, was married, but his wife reportedly left him around four years ago. Investigators believe strained family relationships and a feeling of neglect contributed to his deteriorating mental condition. Police also said he had been taking psychiatric medication for some time.

Attack allegedly planned after return from Iran

Police said Premji moved to Iran with his family in 2019, where they started a fast-food business, before returning to Pune in 2025. According to investigators, he had been waiting for the Muharram procession since his return and allegedly learned how to prepare the capsules through online videos, manufacturing nearly 30,000 capsules after watching tutorials on YouTube.

Investigators allege Premji believed members of his own community were responsible for his failed marriage, family disputes and personal hardships, prompting him to target members of a particular Islamic sect in an act of revenge.

Capsules distributed during procession

According to police, Premji was allegedly seen distributing capsules from a bag during the Muharram procession in Mumbai’s Byculla and Dongri areas. When questioned by security personnel, he allegedly claimed the capsules were painkillers meant to relieve discomfort caused by injuries sustained during the procession.

Shortly afterwards, two people, including Salman Sayed, reportedly complained of uneasiness and vomiting after consuming the capsules allegedly distributed by Premji.

No terror links found so far

Police later detained Premji at a hotel in Dongri, where they allegedly recovered 14,900 capsules filled with rat poison powder. Investigators also confirmed that he had purchased around 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide and nearly 30,000 empty capsules.

Premji remains in police custody and is being questioned. Investigators are examining whether his mental health and personal grievances played a role in the alleged conspiracy.

Police said they have found no evidence so far suggesting any terror links. According to investigators, while Premji allegedly harboured resentment towards members of his own community, there is currently no indication that he was radicalised or associated with any extremist organisation.