Forensic tests find rat poison in Mumbai family deaths, watermelon no longer sole focus of probe

Forensic analysis has found traces of zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical commonly used in rat poison, in the bodies of four members of a Mumbai family who died after falling critically ill last month, shifting the investigation away from earlier suspicions of bacterial food poisoning or adulterated watermelon.

Reports citing forensic findings said traces of the substance were also found in food samples collected during the probe.

The deaths had triggered widespread concern after initial reports linked the incident to watermelon consumed by the family shortly before they fell ill. However, officials now say forensic findings point to poisoning caused by the toxic compound.

The victims were identified as Abdullah Dokadia, his wife Nasreen, and their daughters Zainab and Ayesha. The family lived in Mumbai’s Bhendi Bazaar-Pydhonie area.

According to investigators, the family hosted relatives for dinner on the night of April 25 and served biryani. After the guests left, the four reportedly ate watermelon around 1 am.

Within hours, all of them developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Their condition rapidly deteriorated and they died during treatment the following day.

Officials said forensic science laboratory findings detected zinc phosphide in the viscera samples of all four victims. The same substance was also reportedly found in watermelon samples collected during the investigation. Zinc phosphide is widely used in rodenticides and can release highly toxic phosphine gas when ingested.

The latest findings come after several earlier tests had failed to conclusively establish the cause of death. Initial investigations focused on possible food contamination, bacterial infection or adulteration in the watermelon consumed by the family.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration had earlier stated that preliminary examination of food samples found no artificial sweeteners or additives in the fruit.

A microbiology report from a Mumbai government hospital had also reportedly found no evidence of bacterial infection in the victims’ bodies, prompting authorities to increasingly examine the possibility of poisoning.

Investigators are now examining how the toxic substance entered the food consumed by the family. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the contamination was accidental or deliberate. Authorities are probing multiple possibilities, including mishandling of rodenticide, contamination during storage, or intentional poisoning.

The case had initially sparked panic and speculation around watermelon safety in parts of Mumbai after early reports linked the deaths to the fruit.

However, the forensic findings have shifted the focus of the investigation toward the source of the toxic chemical rather than ordinary food poisoning.

Police officials said further forensic examination and investigation are continuing, and a final conclusion on how the zinc phosphide entered the food chain has not yet been officially announced.