Forensic Report Finds Rat Poison in Watermelon Eaten by Mumbai Family Before Deaths

07/05/2026

MUMBAI, May 7: A forensic analysis has found traces of zinc phosphide , a toxic chemical commonly used in rat poison, in the watermelon consumed by four members of a Mumbai family who were found dead last month.

According to a report submitted by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to Mumbai Police on Thursday, zinc phosphide was detected in the watermelon sample as well as in the viscera samples of the four deceased family members.

The victims were identified as Abdullah Dokadia , 40, his wife Naseem , 35, and their daughters Ayesha , 16, and Zainab , 13. They were found dead inside their residence in Pydhonie, South Mumbai , on April 26, hours after hosting a dinner for relatives.

Police said the family had dinner with their relatives, but the four family members reportedly ate watermelon after midnight.

An FSL official told The Indian Express that zinc phosphide was found in two key samples: the watermelon and the viscera of the deceased. The official said the substance is usually found in powder form and is commonly used to control rodents in homes, agricultural fields and stored grains.

The official added that the presence of the poison suggested the possibility that the watermelon may have been cut and sprinkled with the toxic powder before being consumed, though police would determine the exact circumstances.

Mumbai Police said they have received the forensic report and will investigate who placed the poison in the watermelon and how it entered the fruit.

An officer said the case would be examined from all angles, including whether it was a case of murder-suicide or accidental contamination from agricultural use. Police said they have not yet found any clear motive suggesting that the family intended to take such an extreme step.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Pravin Mundhe said the FSL report confirmed the presence of zinc phosphide in the liver, kidney, spleen, stomach contents, bile and abdominal fat samples of all four victims. He added that the watermelon sample also tested positive for the chemical, while all other food items tested negative.

Police said the report will be studied in detail in consultation with forensic doctors as the investigation continues.