Mumbai family death mystery takes dark turn: Rat poison found in bodies, watermelon samples
A shocking twist has emerged in the deaths of a family of four in Mumbai. Forensic examination has confirmed that the victims died of poisoning, not watermelon-induced food poisoning as initially suspected, media reports said.
Authorities found traces of a toxic rodenticide in the bodies of Abdullah Dokadia, 45, his wife Nasreen Dokadia, 35, and their daughters Zainab Dokadia, 13, and Ayesha Dokadia, 16.
Rat poison chemical detected
Doctors reportedly detected zinc phosphite, a poisonous chemical commonly used in rat poison, in all four bodies.
The same substance was also found in samples of the watermelon the family ate shortly before falling critically ill.
Investigators are now trying to determine whether the fruit was contaminated accidentally or if the poison was deliberately introduced.
Dinner night turned fatal
The family had hosted relatives for dinner at their home in Mumbai, serving mutton pulao. Their guests reportedly remained unharmed.
Hours later, around 1 am, the family ate watermelon. By 5 am, all four developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea and died within hours.
Chilling clue: Internal organs turned green
Earlier autopsy findings had revealed a disturbing green tint in internal organs including the brain, heart and intestines — a sign consistent with poisoning.
Investigators had also found traces of morphine in Abdullah Dokadia’s body, prompting further questions over whether there had been prior treatment, accidental exposure, or foul play.
Police had initially registered an accidental death case.
With forensic findings now pointing to poisoning, investigators are expected to widen the probe into how the deadly toxin entered the family’s food.
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