Rat poison found in watermelon killed Mumbai family forensic report reveals
A forensic investigation into the mysterious deaths of a Mumbai family of four has revealed that the victims died after consuming watermelon contaminated with rat poison, officials said.
The victims were identified as Abdullah Dokadia, 45, his wife Nasreen, 35, and their daughters Zainab, 13, and Ayesha, 16.
According to forensic experts, traces of zinc phosphite, a toxic chemical commonly used in rodenticides, were found in the bodies of all four family members as well as in samples of the watermelon they consumed shortly before falling ill.
The revelation has shifted the investigation away from suspected food poisoning to a possible poisoning case.
Police said the family had hosted relatives for dinner at their Mumbai residence, where mutton pulao was served. After the guests left, the family reportedly consumed watermelon around 1 am.
Within a few hours, all four developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea. By early morning, they had died.
Investigators are now examining whether the poisonous substance accidentally contaminated the fruit or whether it was deliberately injected into the watermelon.
Earlier forensic examinations had raised suspicion after some of the victims’ internal organs, including the brain, heart and intestines, reportedly showed a greenish discoloration often associated with poisoning.
Investigators had also detected traces of morphine in Abdullah Dokadia’s body during preliminary analysis, prompting questions about possible medical exposure or other suspicious circumstances.
Police had initially registered an accidental death case and questioned relatives who attended the dinner gathering. Authorities noted that the guests who consumed the mutton pulao did not suffer any health complications.
The investigation is ongoing as forensic experts and police continue to determine how the toxic substance entered the watermelon and whether foul play was involved.
