Mumbai family death: Forensic report finds rat poison in watermelon

MUMBAI: In a major breakthrough in the sensational Mumbai family death case, forensic investigators have ruled out food poisoning and confirmed that rat poison mixed in watermelon caused the deaths of four family members. Forensic tests found traces of zinc phosphide, a toxic substance commonly used in rat poison, in both the victims’ bodies and the leftover watermelon they had consumed before falling ill.

The incident took place on April 25. The victims were identified as Abdullah Dokadia (45), his wife Nasreen (35), and their daughters Zainab (13) and Ayesha (16). According to investigators, the family ate watermelon around 1 am after hosting relatives at their home earlier in the day.

Soon after consuming the fruit, all four developed severe symptoms including vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhoea. They initially sought medical treatment from a local doctor before being shifted to hospital as their condition worsened. Thirteen-year-old Zainab was the first to die, followed by the other three family members.

The case had triggered widespread shock after post-mortem examinations revealed that several internal organs, including the brain, heart, and intestines, had turned green in colour. The disturbing finding prompted a detailed forensic investigation, which later confirmed the presence of zinc phosphide in the watermelon samples recovered from the house.

Officials said none of the relatives who attended the family gathering reported any health issues, as the watermelon was consumed only after the guests had left. Investigators are now trying to determine whether the poison accidentally contaminated the fruit or if it was deliberately mixed. Police have registered a case of unnatural death, and further investigation is in progress.