A man arrested for allegedly attempting to distribute poison-filled capsules during a Muharram procession in Mumbai has confessed to plotting a mass-casualty attack, telling police he wanted to kill at least 15,000 people, investigators said on Sunday.
Mumbai Police said they foiled the alleged plot after personnel deployed during the Muharram procession under the jurisdiction of Byculla Police Station noticed the suspect allegedly distributing capsules among participants. Officers intercepted him and seized thousands of capsules, preventing what police described as a potential mass-casualty incident.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Zone-I) Jayant Meena, the accused allegedly confessed during interrogation that he intended to distribute the capsules disguised as painkillers.
"I wanted to kill at least 15,000 people," the accused allegedly told investigators, according to the police.
14,900 capsules seized
Police said the investigation began after a man identified as Salman fell ill with vomiting and stomach pain around 4 am after consuming one of the capsules. The incident prompted officers to trace the source of the capsules, leading to the suspect's arrest.
Investigators said laboratory examination found the capsules contained zinc phosphide, a highly toxic rodenticide commonly used to kill rodents.
Meena said the accused had allegedly procured around 50 kg of zinc phosphide and purchased 30,000 empty capsules online. Over the past 15 days, he allegedly filled the capsules while staying in Mumbai before planning to distribute them during the religious procession.
Also read: Mumbai Police foil Muharram poisoning plot, one held
Police have so far recovered 14,900 poison-filled capsules, while efforts are underway to trace the remaining capsules and examine additional chemicals allegedly linked to the case.
Mumbai Police said the accused runs a paint business and allegedly sourced the toxic chemical through his trade. Investigators are also examining his foreign travel history and probing whether others may have assisted in the alleged conspiracy.
"Due to the alertness of the Mumbai Police, a major tragedy and possible mass casualty was averted," Meena said, crediting officers deployed during the procession for acting swiftly after noticing suspicious activity.
Officials said forensic examination of the seized capsules and other materials is continuing as investigators work to establish the full scope of the alleged plot.
The accused remains in police custody while investigators attempt to identify possible associates and determine whether anyone else was involved in planning or facilitating the alleged attack.
Police said further recoveries and arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses.
Follow us
