A Mumbai Muharram procession turns terrifying after suspected tablets leave one sick; man detained for distribution | Today’s news
A man was detained after he allegedly distributed suspicious tablets during a Muharram procession in Mumbai, with one person falling ill after ingesting one of the pills, officials said on Saturday.
The incident took place on Friday in the Byculla area of south Mumbai. After being taken into custody, the man told the police that the tablets were painkillers, the official said, according to PTI.
Authorities intervened after an individual who ingested one of the pills experienced vomiting and discomfort, prompting officers to halt any further distribution.
Police said the victim is now out of danger.
“Around four in the morning, a man named Salman became ill with vomiting and stomach pains after ingesting one of these capsules. In connection with the case, the police tracked down and arrested a suspect. He confessed to a conspiracy to target a procession and cause mass damage. He had procured 50 kg of zinc phosphide and 30,000 empty capsules, filling them over the past few days Muba15 disguised as painkillers,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Central Zone-I Jayant Meena said.
“Due to the alertness of the Mumbai police, a major tragedy and possible mass casualties were averted. 14,900 capsules have been seized so far, while the remaining capsules and chemicals are still under investigation. The accused, who runs a paint business, was procuring the chemicals through his shop and ordering the capsules online. His foreign travel connections and possible associates in Mumbai are also being investigated,” he added.
A case under Section 123 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with causing bodily harm by administering poison or other noxious substances with intent to commit an offence, has been registered against the man at the Byculla police station. Further investigation into the case is underway, the official said.
Man dies, woman hospitalized during music event in Mumbai
Meanwhile, a 28-year-old man lost his life and a woman was admitted to hospital after they allegedly consumed excessive amounts of alcohol during a music event in Mumbai in the early hours of June 7, police said.
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The incidents took place at the ‘Klangkuenstler All Night Long’ music show held at the NSCI Dome in Mumbai’s Worli area, police official Tardeo said.
The official said a man and a woman were attending an event and dancing when they allegedly consumed a large amount of alcohol, including cocktails, which led to a medical emergency, according to PTI.
According to the official, the participant’s condition worsened during the event, after which he was immediately rushed to Breach Candy Hospital in Malabar Hill. However, medical personnel pronounced him dead on arrival.
An NDTV report, citing sources, indicated that police from the local jurisdiction had initially denied permission for the event in Worli, citing an earlier incident in Goregaon and public safety and crowd management concerns. Despite these objections, higher authorities later approved the program, the report said.
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The event featured four distilleries, all operating with permits from the state Department of Excise. The concert took place between 18:00 and 22:00 and ended as planned with the alleged ticket prices ₹4,000. Following the incident, officials began a detailed review of the permits granted for the event, including licenses related to the sale of liquor and other regulatory clearances.
Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and started a detailed investigation into the incident. At least eight people, including the organizers of the event, are being questioned as part of the investigation.
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Investigators are also examining the organizers’ financial records to determine whether tickets were illegally sold at inflated prices through black market channels, the report said.
Another key issue in the investigation is whether the event was used as a front for unauthorized rave parties. Authorities are investigating allegations that attendees were instructed to cover their cell phone cameras, possibly to prevent recording of activities inside the venue.
The case is the second of its kind in recent months. In April, two MBA students reportedly lost their lives after allegedly consuming drugs at a concert organized at the NESCO campus in Goregaon.
