Mumbai Police arrest man for distributing ‘rat poison’ capsules during Muharram procession

A major tragedy was averted as Mumbai Police noticed a suspicious man distributing capsules during a Muharram procession in the city with the intent to cause “mass harm”.

Police said the man, who was distributing the capsules that allegedly contained zinc phosphide — a rodenticide, was arrested.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Central Zone-I, Jayant Meena, said the accused had confessed to his crime and intended to distribute the capsules as painkillers. During the Muharram procession in the Byculla Police Station jurisdiction, the police noticed a suspicious man distributing capsules. His capsules were seized, and other details recorded.

The Deputy Commissioner said that 14,900 capsules have been seized so far.

“Around 4 a.m., 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. 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,” Mr. Meena said.

“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,” he added.