Rat Poison Capsules Distributed During Moharram Event In Mumbai, Police Arrest One

Mumbai: A sensational case of distribution of poisonous capsules among people during Moharram procession has come to light in Byculla area of  Mumbai. Police have arrested a 39-year-old man resident of Pune in this case. It is alleged that zinc phosphide was found in the capsule he had. This is the same poisonous chemical which is used to kill rats. Police have recovered about 1400 capsules from the accused.

What is the whole matter?

According to the police, the accused was distributing capsules among the people participating in the Moharram procession. Meanwhile, a young man named Salman Saeed ate the capsule. After some time, Salman's health deteriorated. He started vomiting and feeling nervous. Seeing his condition worsening, he was immediately taken to the hospital. After treatment, the doctors said that now his condition is out of danger.

What did the accused say during interrogation?

Investigation revealed that the accused is a BBA pass and is a resident of Pune. He was staying in a hotel in Dongri. During interrogation, he said that he had brought this capsule to reduce the pain of mourners during Moharram. But the police did not find any proof of his statement. On the contrary, finding 1400 capsules is raising suspicion.

What has come out of the police investigation so far?

A case has been registered on the complaint of the victim and the accused has been arrested. The police are continuously interrogating him. The biggest question is why such a large number of capsules were distributed and who else is involved in this work. All the recovered capsules have been sent to the forensic lab. A chemical investigation is being done there to see if anything else was added apart from zinc phosphide.

Is the background of the accused also being investigated?

The investigating agencies have learnt that the accused has previously travelled to Iran and Iraq. Police are also finding out how he bought so many capsules online and with whom he had contacts. Apart from this, his mental condition is also being examined by doctors to see if he is mentally ill.

How dangerous is zinc phosphide?

Zinc phosphide is a very strong poison. It is generally used to kill rats. As soon as it enters the stomach, it combines with acid to form phosphine gas. This gas prevents oxygen from reaching the body cells. Even a small quantity of it can be fatal. Vomiting, difficulty in breathing and unconsciousness are its common symptoms. At present the police are investigating from every angle. Whether this was a conspiracy or madness, it will be known soon. There is an appeal to the people not to eat any unknown thing in the procession or in the crowd.