The mysterious deaths of four members of the Dokadia family in Pydhonie have taken a major turn after Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reports confirmed the presence of zinc phosphide, a highly toxic rat poison, in the victims’ bodies, ruling out earlier fears linked to chemically contaminated watermelon.
Investigators said traces of zinc phosphide were found in the viscera samples of Abdulla Dokadia, his wife Nasreen, and their daughters Ayesha and Zainab. The watermelon sample consumed by the family also tested positive, while all other food items tested negative.
The deaths had triggered panic across Mumbai over the past two weeks, with suspicion initially falling on watermelon consumed by the family after dinner. The scare had also affected watermelon sales in several city markets.
Mogal Building, where the Dokadia family resided. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
Officials said the probe is now focused on how the poison entered the food consumed by the family. Earlier tests by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had found no artificial colours, additives or chemical ripening agents in the watermelon samples collected from the house.
The family had attended a dinner with relatives on April 25, where biryani was served. Later that night, only the four deceased family members consumed watermelon at home. By early morning, all four developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea before collapsing. They were rushed to Sir JJ Hospital, where they later died.
Doctors had earlier said the symptoms and rapid organ damage did not resemble routine food poisoning, raising suspicion of a toxic substance.
Police statement
Praveen Mundhe, DCP, Zone-I, said, “The FSL report has found zinc phosphide in viscera samples, stomach contents, bile, and abdominal fat samples of all four deceased persons. The watermelon sample is also positive for zinc phosphide, while all other food items are negative.” He added that investigators are now probing whether the poisoning was accidental, deliberate or caused by contamination from another source.
What investigators have ruled out
>> Artificially ripened watermelon
>> Chemical additives in fruit
>> Routine bacterial food poisoning
>> Viral rumours about “eating watermelon at night”
What remains under probe
>> How zinc phosphide entered the watermelon
>> Whether poisoning was accidental or intentional
>> Possible contamination during storage or handling
>> Source of the toxic substance
Timeline
April 25, 10.30 pm: Family attends dinner with relatives
April 26, 1 am: Four members consume watermelon at home
Around 5 am: Vomiting and diarrhoea begin
Morning: Family rushed to JJ Hospital
Within hours: All four die
May 7: FSL confirms zinc phosphide in samples
* This article was originally published here
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