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Four members of a family in south Mumbai’s Pydhonia area died last month due to rat poison, police officials said on Thursday (May 7, 2026).
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report confirmed the presence of zinc phosphide in the viscera (liver, kidney, spleen), stomach contents, bile and abdominal fat of the deceased identified as Abdulla Dokadia (44), his wife Nasrin (35) and their daughters Aayesha (16) and Zaineb (13).
“A sample of watermelon also tested positive for zinc phosphide, while all other food items were negative. The report will be studied in depth. We will consult the medical examiner. Further investigation of the case is on,” the DCP said.
Zinc phosphide is mainly used as a highly toxic acute rodenticide to kill rats and mice.
“Forensic experts who examined the entrails of the late Abdulla Dokadie, Nasrin (35), Aayesha (16) and Zaineb (13) found traces of zinc phosphide. However, it is not clear whether the rat poison was ingested accidentally (or intentionally). So far, we have not found any solid official reason why the whole family would take such another extreme step.
Further investigation is being conducted by the JJ Marg police station, which has recorded the statements of relatives and neighbours, he added.
The Dokadia family, residents of Ghari Mohalla on Ismail Kurte Road, held a meeting of relatives on the night of April 25. At around one in the morning, several hours after the guests had left, Abdullah Dokadia, his wife Nasreen and daughters Ayesha and Zaineb ate pieces of watermelon.
They suffered severe bouts of vomiting and diarrhea in the early hours of April 26 and were taken to a local hospital before being referred to JJ Government Hospital where all four died during treatment.
Published – 08 May 2026 06:47 IST
