After the ‘watermelon’, which people often consume to ward off heat, itself faced heat for allegedly leading to the deaths of four persons of the same family in Mumbai on April 25, 2026, fresh revelations have come to the fore following a forensic probe on Thursday. The probe revealed that the deaths were caused by Zinc Phosphide, a highly toxic substance, which is commonly used to poison rats. The latest finding has shifted the probe’s focus from suspected food poisoning to deliberate or accidental contamination.
Family which died after consuming rat poison-laced watermelon
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has submitted its findings to the Mumbai police, confirming traces of the chemical in both the victims’ viscera, as well as a watermelon which they consumed before being taken ill and dying.
Family resided in South Mumbai
The ones who died have been identified as Abdul Dokadia (44), his wife Nasreen (35), and their daughters Ayesha (16) and Zaineb (13). The family resided in South Mumbai’s Pydhonie area. They had hosted dinner for several guests at their house on the night of April 25. They served chicken biriyani to them among other dishes. However, suspicion arose when the guests, who consumed the biryani, reported no illness.
It was only after the guests left that the Dokadia family consumed a watermelon at around 1 am. Within hours, all four of them experienced severe symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, signalling towards food poisoning.
Health deteriorates rapidly, all four die
They called a doctor to their place, who prescribed medication. However, when their health began deteriorating repeatedly, they were rushed to the hospital. One of their daughters was pronounced dead upon arrival at a private hospital, while the remaining three succumbed during treatment at the JJ Hospital.
Mumbai's JJ Hospital
Food samples collected
Samples of all food items, including biriyani, watermelon and water, were collected and analysed by the forensic team. The report mentioned that Zinc Phosphide was present in the watermelon, as well as in the biological samples of all four victims. Authorities clarified thereafter that the deaths were not caused by the fruit, but by the toxic substance found within it.
Representative image
Despite the crucial breakthrough, the cops are yet to determine whether the poisoning was intentional or accidental. Senior officials aware of the development said no concrete evidence has been found so far to establish that the family consumed the substance deliberately.