Mumbai Police Foil Suspected Muharram Poison Plot: 14,900 Zinc Phosphide Capsules Seized, Pune Man Detained.

Mumbai, June 27, 2026

 The Seizure.

Mumbai Police have uncovered a suspected poisoning plot linked to a Muharram procession and seized 14,900 capsules allegedly filled with zinc phosphide, a highly toxic rat poison compound. A Pune-based businessman has been detained in connection with the case.

Police said the accused, identified as Faiyaz, was caught distributing the capsules during a Muharram procession in Mumbai. He was observed handing them to four people before being detained. 

 Scale of the Plot

Officers seized 14,900 poison-filled capsules. Investigators believe the accused had planned to prepare 30,000 capsules in total.

During questioning, Faiyaz admitted intending to target the Muharram procession.

What is Zinc Phosphide?

Zinc phosphide is a “highly toxic acute rodenticide to control rats and mice”. When ingested, stomach acid turns it into phosphine gas, which is “very toxic” and attacks cells by stopping energy production. 

Forensic experts say even a “very small quantity can prove fatal” and symptoms can begin within 30 minutes. The compound was earlier detected in the viscera of four members of a Mumbai family who died in Pydhonie in April. 

 Wider Network Probe.

Mumbai Police suspect a larger conspiracy. Investigators are now probing the *broader network behind the alleged plot, including the source of the zinc phosphide and how 14,900 capsules were manufactured and transported. 

The case draws parallels to the ration scam where Mumbai Police invoked MCOC Aagainst the Kaleem Kureshi gang for black-marketing PDS grain.

 Next Steps.

A case has been registered and the accused is in custody. Police are scanning CCTV, call records, and financial transactions to trace other conspirators. Given the organized nature and potential mass-casualty intent, MCOCA charges are likely to be considered.

 What began as a routine Muharram bandobast led police to a cache of 14,900 poison capsules and a detained Pune man. With the accused admitting plans to target the procession, Mumbai Police say they may have “foiled a mass poisoning plot” and are now hunting the masterminds.