Mumbai Pydhonie Death Mystery Deepens, Rat Poison Found In Watermelon Consumed By Family

Forensic examination has confirmed that the deaths of four members of the Dokadia family in Mumbai were caused by poisoning and not food poisoning, as initially suspected.

Investigators found traces of zinc phosphide, a toxic chemical commonly used in rat poison, in the bodies of Abdullah Dokadia, 45, his wife Nasreen, 35, and their daughters Zainab, 13, and Ayesha, 16. The same substance was also detected in samples of the watermelon consumed by the family shortly before they fell ill.

Police are now probing whether the contamination happened accidentally or if the fruit was deliberately tampered with.

Family Died Within Hours

The incident had sent shockwaves across Mumbai on April 26 after four members of the same family died within hours of each other.

The deceased were identified as Abdullah Dokadia, 44, his wife Nasreen, 35, and their daughters Ayesha, 16, and Zainab, 13.

Initial reports had pointed towards contaminated fruit after it emerged that the family had consumed watermelon the previous night. However, with the forensic report now confirming zinc phosphide contamination, police are trying to piece together how the poison entered the fruit.

Family Fell Ill Hours After Dinner

According to investigators, the family had hosted relatives for dinner at their Mumbai residence and served mutton pulao. Relatives who attended the gathering reportedly did not suffer any health issues.

After the guests left, the family consumed watermelon around 1 am.

Within a few hours, all four members developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Their condition deteriorated rapidly and they died soon after.

Police had initially registered a case of accidental death while waiting for forensic and post mortem reports.

Forensic Findings Changed Direction Of Probe

The investigation took a different direction after doctors noticed a greenish tint in some internal organs during the autopsy. Officials said such findings are often associated with poisoning cases.

Earlier forensic analysis had also detected traces of morphine in Abdullah Dokadia’s body. Investigators are examining whether the presence of the substance was linked to medical treatment, accidental exposure or any other factor connected to the case.

Following the latest forensic confirmation, police are continuing to examine food samples, question relatives and trace the source of the contaminated watermelon.

Officials said further investigation is underway to determine how the toxic substance entered the fruit.

To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/