A 39-year-old man from Pune has been arrested for allegedly distributing poisonous capsules disguised as painkillers during a Muharram procession in Mumbai's Byculla, with investigators claiming he told police he wanted to "take revenge on the world" after separating from his wife two years ago. The accused, identified as Fayyaz Premji, is alleged to have targeted participants in the religious procession, resulting in several people falling ill after consuming the capsules. The incident has prompted a detailed investigation into the motive, planning and possible links behind the alleged plot.

According to police, Premji distributed capsules to participants by claiming they were painkillers. Several people who consumed them later reported nausea, uneasiness and other symptoms, while some allegedly lost consciousness and required medical attention. Authorities acted swiftly after the incident, leading to Premji's arrest. Police are continuing to analyse the seized capsules and await detailed forensic reports to determine the exact composition of the substance involved.

During questioning, investigators said Premji claimed he had been driven by a desire for revenge after his wife left him two years ago. According to the police, the accused stated that he believed the world had turned against him following the breakdown of his marriage and wanted to retaliate by causing mass casualties. Investigators further alleged that Premji had planned to kill nearly 15,000 people during the Muharram procession, making the case one of the most serious alleged attempts to target a large public gathering in recent years.

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Investigators are also examining the accused's background and possible international connections after reports emerged of a suspected Iran link. Police are scrutinising his travel history, financial transactions, communication records and digital devices to determine whether he acted alone or had any external support. Officials, however, have not yet confirmed any direct foreign involvement, and inquiries into the alleged international connection remain ongoing.

The case has raised concerns over security arrangements at large religious gatherings, particularly events that attract thousands of participants. Mumbai Police have intensified efforts to identify everyone who may have received the capsules and are working to trace the movement of the accused before and during the procession. Authorities have appealed to the public to share any information that could assist the investigation while assuring that all aspects of the case are being thoroughly examined.

The investigation is still at a preliminary stage, and many of the allegations against the accused are yet to be tested in court. Police are expected to rely on forensic evidence, witness statements and digital records to establish the sequence of events and determine whether additional charges or arrests are warranted. Until then, the claims regarding the accused's motive, alleged plans and any suspected foreign links remain part of the ongoing investigation and have not been independently established in judicial proceedings.

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