A major tragedy was averted during a Muharram procession in Mumbai after police arrested a Pune man accused of distributing capsules allegedly laced with a highly toxic substance to devotees, claiming they werepainkillers.

The accused, identified as 39-year-old Fayyaz Premji from Pune, was detained by the Byculla Police during the Ashura procession on Friday after several people who consumed the capsules complained of uneasiness and were rushed to hospital. At least 11 people reportedly fell ill, but all are now out of danger.

Preliminary investigations found that the capsules allegedly contained zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical commonly used in rat poison. According to police, Premji had been handing out the capsules as painkillers and immunity boosters to participants in the procession.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed that he intended to kill around 15,000 people. Investigators said he had ordered nearly 30,000 empty capsules and around 50 kg of zinc phosphide online before filling approximately 14,900 capsules while staying at a guest house in Mumbai for over two weeks. Police suspect he planned to distribute the poisoned capsules among large crowds attending the religious gathering.

Police said the plot was foiled after alert officers and volunteers noticed suspicious behaviour and detained the accused before more capsules could be distributed. A court has remanded Premji to police custody as investigators probe his motive, possible accomplices and whether a larger conspiracy was involved. Authorities are also examining his travel history, including visits to Iran and Iraq, and conducting forensic analysis of the seized capsules.

The case has sent shockwavesacross Mumbai, with security agencies tightening vigilance at religious gatherings. Police have urged the public not to accept medicines or food items from unknown individuals during large public events as the investigation continues.