Nearly three weeks after four members of a Mumbai family were found dead under mysterious circumstances, investigators say several questions remain unanswered despite forensic tests detecting rat poison in watermelon samples consumed by the victims.
The deceased — Abdullah Dokadia, his wife Nasreen, and their daughters Ayesha and Zainab — were found critically ill at their home in Mumbai’s Pydhonie area on April 25 and later died in hospital.
Rat poison detected in watermelon
The case drew nationwide attention after reports suggested that watermelon consumed by the family shortly before falling ill may have been linked to the deaths.
Forensic analysis later confirmed the presence of zinc phosphide — a highly toxic chemical commonly used as rat poison — in the victims’ organs and in leftover watermelon samples.
Mumbai Police said the chemical was found in the liver, kidney, spleen, stomach contents, and abdominal fat samples collected during the investigation.
Officials also confirmed that no traces of the poison were found in other food items consumed by the family that night.
Police yet to determine how poison entered fruit
Despite the forensic findings, investigators said they are still unable to determine how the poison entered the watermelon.
Police stated that homicide, accidental contamination, and suicide are all being investigated as possible angles.
A senior officer said multiple teams have been formed and nearly 50 people, including relatives, neighbours, and colleagues, have been questioned.
Case sparked panic over watermelon safety
When news of the deaths first emerged, several media reports referred to the incident as the “watermelon deaths”, triggering panic among consumers and reportedly affecting watermelon sales in Mumbai markets.
Doctors explained that zinc phosphide is extremely dangerous and can rapidly damage multiple organs after ingestion.
Symptoms reportedly include vomiting, breathing difficulty, chest tightness, and shock.
Police said the investigation will continue until the exact sequence of events is established.#Mumbai #WatermelonDeaths #CrimeInvestigation #RatPoison #Maharashtra #newskarnataka