The Hindu reports: The forensic report into the deaths of four members of a family in Mumbai’s Paydhuni area has detected zinc phosphide, a substance used as rat poison, in their internal organs and in the watermelon they consumed. The Mumbai Police received the report on Thursday (May 7, 2026).The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) submitted its findings to the Mumbai Police on Thursday (May 7, 2026). According to the report, zinc phosphide was present in the viscera of all four deceased persons and in the samples of the watermelon they had eaten.The four residents of Paydhuni Abdullah Dokadia (40), Nasreen Dokadia (35), and their daughters Aisha (16) and Zainab (13) died on April 26 at J.J.
Hospital in Mumbai.On the night of April 25, the family had biryani with other relatives. After returning to their home, they ate watermelon between 1 a.m. Two fruit sellers arrested for applying rat poison on fruitsOn the morning of April 26, all four developed vomiting and diarrhoea.
Background
A doctor in their residential building examined them, and they were admitted to J.J. Zainab died at 10:15 a.m. Nasreen and Aisha, who did not respond to treatment, died soon after.
Key facts
- The Mumbai Police received the report on Thursday (May 7, 2026).The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) submitted its findings to the Mumbai Police on Thursday (May 7, 2026).
- Hospital in Mumbai.On the night of April 25, the family had biryani with other relatives.
- After returning to their home, they ate watermelon between 1 a.m.
- Two fruit sellers arrested for applying rat poison on fruitsOn the morning of April 26, all four developed vomiting and diarrhoea.
What this means
Abdullah died at 10:30 p.m.The police registered a case of accidental death and conducted post-mortems. Half-eaten watermelon pieces, other food items, spices, and kitchen articles were seized from the Dokadia residence and sent for examination.An FSL official said zinc phosphide is highly toxic and was the likely cause of death. The substance is used to control rodents.
“Zinc phosphide is usually in powder form. The powder must have been applied to the watermelon after it was cut,” the official said.Deputy Commissioner of Police Praveen Munde said the viscera samples were sent for chemical analysis. The forensic and food departments are conducting a joint inquiry.
Originally reported by The Hindu. This story has been edited and re-presented by BRIC Team.
