07 May,2026 11:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The victims were identified as Abdulla Dokadia, his wife Nasrin Dokadia and their daughters Ayesha Dokadia and Zaineb Dokadia. File Pic
Days after the death of four members of a family, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report has confirmed that zinc phosphide, a toxic substance commonly used as rat poison, was found in the viscera and watermelon samples, Mumbai Police said on Thursday, reported the PTI.
Four members of a family from Mumbai's Pydhonie area had last month died in mysterious circumstances after which the police had launched a detailed probe into the matter.
The police had earlier stated that primary investigations had revealed that all four deceased had eaten watermelon last and they later fell sick leading to their death.
According to police officials, the FSL report found traces of zinc phosphide in the viscera, stomach contents, bile and abdominal fat samples of the deceased, the news agency reported.
The victims were identified as Abdulla Dokadia, his wife Nasrin Dokadia and their daughters Ayesha Dokadia and Zaineb Dokadia.
Pravin Mundhe, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 1, said that the watermelon sample collected during the investigation also tested positive for zinc phosphide, while all other food items examined in the case were found negative, according to the PTI.
Police officials stated that the forensic findings will now be examined in detail in consultation with medical and forensic experts.
Investigators are still trying to determine whether the poison was consumed accidentally or intentionally.
The Dokadia family lived in Ghari Mohalla on Ismail Kurte Road in south Mumbai. According to investigators, the family had hosted relatives for a gathering on the night of April 25.
After the guests left at around 1 am, the family reportedly consumed pieces of watermelon at home.
Within hours, all four suffered severe vomiting and diarrhoea. They were first taken to a local hospital and later shifted to the government-run Sir J. J. Hospital, where they died during treatment.
Officials from JJ Marg Police Station are continuing the investigation and have recorded statements from relatives and neighbours.
Police said that, so far, investigators have not found any clear evidence behind the suspicious deaths of the four deceased.
(with PTI inputs)
