15 May,2026 11:39 PM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash Singh
A detailed probe was underway, said officials. File Pic
A final post-mortem report issued by JJ Hospital has confirmed that the deaths of four members of a family from Pydhonie in Mumbai were caused by zinc phosphide poisoning. However, the motive still remains unclear as the probe continued as on Friday.
The victims - Abdullah Dokadia (40), his wife Nasreen (35), and their daughters Ayesha (16) and Zainab (13) - died within hours after consuming watermelon at their home in Mogul Building on April 25.
The findings are consistent with reports from the Forensic Science Laboratory, which detected traces of the highly toxic rodenticide in both the viscera samples of the deceased and leftover watermelon pieces.
Earlier, hospital tests had ruled out bacterial infection or natural food poisoning, strengthening suspicions of deliberate poisoning.
Forensic experts noted that zinc phosphide is an insoluble powder that does not dissolve in water. They also observed that, given the thick rind of watermelon, accidental contamination through agricultural sources appears highly unlikely.
Based on these findings, investigators from JJ Marg Police suspect that the poison may have been manually applied to the cut fruit.
While the cause of death has now been scientifically established, the motive behind the incident remains unclear.
Police have recorded statements from neighbours, relatives, and local vendors who were in contact with the family shortly before the deaths. No suicide note has been recovered, and there is no evidence so far of a suicide pact or identified suspect.
Investigators are now examining call detail records and other digital evidence to trace the possible source of the poison and determine whether foul play was involved.
Police said the case is being treated with high priority due to the unusual circumstances and the involvement of a toxic industrial chemical. Further forensic and digital analysis is underway.
