Four Members of Mumbai Family Found Dead as Zinc Phosphide Poisoning Investigation Deepens

The deceased have been identified as Abdullah Dokadia, his wife Nasreen, and their two daughters, Ayesha and Zainab. The case, which quickly drew intense media attention, was widely referred to in Indian reports as the “watermelon deaths,” following claims that the family had consumed the fruit shortly before falling ill.

Authorities, however, have since shifted focus after forensic analysis. Police confirmed that zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical commonly used as rodenticide, was detected in the viscera of the deceased, including the liver, kidney, spleen, stomach contents, bile, and abdominal fat. The substance was also reportedly found in samples of the watermelon collected from the scene.

According to investigators, the family had hosted relatives for dinner on the night of the incident, during which they consumed biryani. The guests left at approximately 22:30 hours, after which the family reportedly ate watermelon. Within hours, all four individuals developed severe symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, before being rushed to a nearby hospital and later transferred to JJ Hospital, where they were declared dead.

A neighbor, Dr. Zaid Qureshi, who lives in the same building, attempted to assist the youngest daughter by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation before emergency transfer. Despite these efforts, she did not survive, and the remaining family members also succumbed to their condition.

Officials noted that the building suffers from a rodent infestation, with residents reportedly using poison-based pest control methods, including chemical bait products. Medical experts have stated that zinc phosphide, once ingested, can release phosphine gas in the presence of moisture, severely disrupting cellular oxygen use and causing rapid multi-organ failure, with even small quantities proving fatal.

Investigators have questioned between 40 and 50 individuals, including relatives, friends, neighbours, and colleagues of Abdullah Dokadia. Police have stated that multiple investigative teams are working on the case, but the pathway through which the toxic substance entered the watermelon remains unknown. Authorities have not ruled out accidental death, suicide, or homicide.

A senior police official confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with all possible angles being examined, while adding, “We are still collecting evidence and looking at all angles for motives.” Another official stated, “We will keep working until we find the answers.”

The case continues to puzzle investigators, leaving critical questions unanswered regarding contamination, intent, and the exact sequence of events that led to the deaths of an entire family in Mumbai.