A devastating incident in South Mumbai, initially suspected as food poisoning, has taken a grim turn after forensic reports confirmed the presence of a highly toxic rat poison in a watermelon consumed by a family of four who subsequently died. The findings have shifted the police investigation towards determining the source of the lethal contamination.
Tragedy Strikes Dokadia Family
The victims were identified as Abdul Dokadia, 44, his wife Nasreen, 35, and their two daughters, Ayesha, 16, and Zaineb, 13. The family resided in Ghari Mohalla, located in Mumbai's Pydhonie area. The tragic sequence of events began on the night of April 25, when the Dokadia family hosted relatives at their home, serving dinner that included chicken biryani.
After their guests departed, the family reportedly ate watermelon around 1:00 AM. Within hours, all four family members began experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhoea, symptoms initially attributed to food poisoning. Despite a doctor being called to the residence and prescribing medication, their condition rapidly deteriorated.
The family was rushed to a private hospital, where one of the daughters was declared dead upon arrival. The remaining three succumbed to their illness later during treatment at Mumbai's JJ Hospital on April 26.
Forensic Evidence Points to Zinc Phosphide
Following the deaths, Mumbai Police registered an accidental death report and launched a comprehensive investigation. Samples of all food items consumed, including the chicken biryani, watermelon, and water, were sent for forensic analysis, along with viscera samples from all four victims.
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report delivered a critical breakthrough, detecting zinc phosphide in both the watermelon samples and the viscera of the deceased. Zinc phosphide is a potent chemical widely recognized for its use in rat poison.
Investigators noted that relatives who had attended the gathering and consumed the biryani did not fall ill, strengthening suspicions surrounding the watermelon, which only the Dokadia family ate after the guests left.
Probe Focuses on Source of Contamination
Authorities have clarified that the deaths were not caused by the watermelon itself, but by the toxic substance found within it. Police officials state that there is currently no strong evidence to suggest the family intentionally consumed the poison. Statements from relatives, neighbours, and other individuals connected to the case have been recorded as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The primary focus of the investigation now is to ascertain how the zinc phosphide entered the watermelon. Detectives are working to determine whether the chemical was introduced accidentally, perhaps through improper storage or handling, or if it was deliberately placed in the fruit.