According to police, the suspect, identified as Faiyaz Premji, was taken into custody in the Byculla area after around 11 people reportedly fell ill shortly after consuming capsules he had distributed. The affected individuals were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they received treatment and were later reported to be in stable condition.

Police said the suspect had been handing out the capsules to mourners, claiming they were painkillers and immunity-boosting supplements.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Meena said preliminary laboratory findings indicated that the capsules contained zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical commonly used in rodenticides. Authorities added that the suspect had no legal authorization to distribute medicines or health supplements.

During the operation, police recovered approximately 14,900 capsules from the suspect s possession. Investigators believe a significant number of capsules had already been distributed before he was stopped. Further investigation also revealed that the suspect had allegedly procured 30,000 empty capsules and 50 kilograms of phosphorus.

Police said the suspected plot was thwarted due to the vigilance of three female volunteers. One volunteer noticed the suspect distributing capsules under suspicious circumstances, prompting the volunteers to intervene and alert the police. Organizers later used loudspeakers to warn participants not to consume any medicine or capsules received from unknown individuals.

According to the volunteers, they became suspicious after opening one of the capsules and discovering an unidentified powder inside, leading them to immediately inform the authorities.

Police said that during initial questioning, the suspect allegedly confessed that he intended to kill at least 15,000 people participating in the procession. However, investigators emphasized that this claim is still being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities said the suspect is a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) graduate and has previously traveled to Iran and Iraq. A case has been registered against him at Byculla Police Station under charges related to administering poison and other relevant provisions of the law. Investigators are also examining whether the suspect had any links to terrorist organizations or accomplices behind the alleged conspiracy.

Medical experts note that zinc phosphide is an extremely dangerous poison. Once ingested, it reacts with stomach acid to release phosphine gas, which can severely damage the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain. There is currently no specific antidote for zinc phosphide poisoning.