Authorities found traces of a toxic substance commonly used in rat poison in the bodies of the victims and samples of the watermelon they had eaten, according to a report
A forensic investigation into the deaths of a Mumbai family of four has confirmed that the victims died due to “poisoning” and not food poisoning caused by watermelon consumption.
According to an NDTV report, authorities found traces of a toxic substance commonly used in rat poison in the bodies of the victims and samples of the watermelon they had eaten.
The findings mark a major development in the case, days after post-mortem examinations reportedly revealed a greenish tint in the victims’ internal organs, a sign consistent with poisoning.
The deceased were identified as Abdullah Dokadia, 45, his wife Nasreen, 35, and their daughters, Zainab, 13, and Ayesha, 16.
According to investigators, the family had hosted relatives for dinner at their Mumbai residence and served mutton pulao. Hours after the guests left, the family consumed watermelon around 1 am.
By approximately 5 am, all four developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea and died within a few hours.
Forensic analysis later confirmed the presence of Zinc Phosphite, a highly toxic chemical commonly used in rodenticides, in the victims’ bodies.
The same chemical was also detected in samples of the watermelon consumed by the family.
Investigators are now examining whether the fruit was accidentally contaminated or whether the toxic substance was deliberately introduced, reported NDTV.
Last week, initial forensic tests found that several organs of the victims, including the brain, heart and intestines, had turned green, pointing to possible poisoning.
The tests also detected morphine — a strong painkiller typically used in controlled medical settings — in Abdullah Dokadia’s body.
Investigators were examining whether the drug’s presence was linked to prior medical treatment, accidental exposure or something more suspicious.
Police had registered a case of accidental death and recorded statements from the family’s guests, who consumed the pulao but remained unharmed.
With inputs from agencies
First Published:
May 07, 2026, 22:28 IST
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