Nearly two weeks after the mysterious deaths of four members of a family in south Mumbai sparked panic and speculation over contaminated watermelons, police officials said Thursday that forensic findings point to rat poison as the likely cause.
According to investigators, a report from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) revealed traces of zinc phosphide – a highly toxic chemical commonly used in rat poison – in samples collected from deceased family members, news agency PTI reported.
The victims have been identified as Abdulla Dokadia (44), his wife Nasrin (35) and their daughters Aayesha (16) and Zaineb (13), residents of South Mumbai’s Pydhonia area.
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Forensic findings revealed traces of zinc phosphide, a chemical commonly used in rat poison, in viscera samples from all four deceased family members. A watermelon sample also tested positive for zinc phosphide.
The family consumed pieces of watermelon around 1 a.m. after hosting relatives. A few hours later, they developed severe vomiting and diarrhea, which led to their death. While the watermelon tested positive for zinc phosphide, how it got into the food remains unclear.
Zinc phosphide is a highly toxic chemical widely used as a rodenticide to kill rats and mice. It is considered extremely toxic and can cause serious illness or death if ingested.
Yes, the first news linking deaths to watermelon consumption caused widespread concern and panic in the fruit markets of Mumbai. Wholesale demand dropped significantly, leading to lower prices and customers returning purchased melons.
Yes, eating food contaminated with rodenticides such as zinc phosphide can lead to serious illness, including symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, as seen in the case of a Mumbai family. The forensic science laboratory detected zinc phosphide in both the family’s samples and the watermelon.
A forensic report detects zinc phosphide
Deputy Commissioner of Police Pravin Mundhe told PTI that forensic experts found zinc phosphide in viscera samples, including liver, kidney, spleen, stomach contents, bile and abdominal fat of all the four victims.
“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.
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Zinc phosphide is widely used as a rodenticide to control rats and mice and is considered extremely toxic.
But police officials said several questions in the case remain unanswered, and investigators are still trying to determine how the chemical got into the food the family was consuming.
The probe continues on how the poison was consumed
Another police official said the exact circumstances under which the poison was consumed were still unclear.
“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 consumed accidentally (or intentionally). So far, we have not found any compelling reason why the entire family would take such an extreme step.
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The investigation is being conducted by the JJ Marg police station, which has already recorded the statements of relatives and neighbours.
Officials said further forensic consultations are expected before final conclusions are reached.
The family fell ill after a late night meal
According to the police, the Dokadia family hosted relatives at their residence in Ghari Mohalla on Ismail Kurte Road on the night of April 25.
A few hours after the guests left, Abdulla Dokadia, his wife and their two daughters allegedly consumed pieces of watermelon around 1am.
In the early hours of April 26, all four developed severe vomiting and diarrhea. They were first taken to a nearby hospital before being shifted to JJ Government Hospital where they later died during treatment.
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The death caused widespread concern in Mumbai after initial reports linked the incident to the consumption of watermelon.
The rumors are causing panic in the fruit markets
Soon after news of the deaths emerged, rumors and unverified claims on social media led to panic among consumers, significantly affecting the sale of watermelon in Mumbai.
According to an Indian Express report, wholesale demand for watermelons has plummeted and traders have been forced to sell the fruit at drastically reduced prices.
Some reports stated that watermelons were being sold at rock bottom prices ₹5 to ₹7 per kilogram in wholesale markets compared to the usual ₹10 to ₹range 35. Retail prices in Mumbai usually vary ₹30 a ₹100 per kilogram.
Vendors at Crawford Market told media that several customers even returned watermelons they had already purchased after social media posts raised concerns about possible contamination.
The FDA collected more food samples
Following the incident, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) collected samples of various food items from the family’s residence, including biryani, watermelon, stored drinking water, rice, chicken, dates and spices.
According to reports, viscera samples from all four victims have also been sent for chemical analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
Doctors and medical experts have previously warned against the spread of misinformation, saying claims circulating online about watermelons being inherently dangerous have no scientific basis.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and more clarity is expected following detailed forensic consultations and further reports.
