Mumbai watermelon deaths: Four-member Dokadia family found dead after eating watermelon laced with rat poison
A large presence of a chemical often used as rat poison was found in the watermelon the family ate before their deaths.
A family of four has died after consuming watermelon containing a toxic chemical often found in rat poison.
Abdullah Dokadia, 40, his wife Nasreen, 35, and their daughters Ayesha, 16, and Zainab, 13, were found dead in their home in Pydhonie, Mumbai last month.
According to local police, on the night of the incident the family had dinner with five relatives at their home.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.After the guests left, the family ate watermelon at around 1am on April 26. Within the next 12 hours, all four members fell ill and later died.
“They all began suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea. They were taken to a nearby hospital and later transferred to JJ Hospital. However, all four individuals unfortunately died,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Pravin Mundhe told the media.
Following the deaths, Mumbai Police, forensic experts, and Food and Drug Administration officials visited the family’s home where they took samples of food items, including the watermelon.
Last week, it was revealed a large presence of zinc phosphide was found in the watermelon.
Zinc phosphide is a potent chemical most commonly used in rat poisoning. Consuming the compound causes life-threatening complications.
Despite the cause of death being known, officials are reportedly still no closer to solving the case.
The tragedy has been dubbed the ‘Mumbai watermelon deaths’ by Indian media outlets.
“We are still collecting evidence and looking at all angles for motives,” a senior police officer told the BBC on Wednesday. “We have not ruled out homicide, accidental death or suicide.”
“We have questioned 40-50 people, including relatives, friends, family, neighbours and Dokadia’s work colleagues. We have formed multiple teams that are working to solve the case.
“We will keep working until we find the answers,” he said.
The case is being closely monitored in India, with local media advising caution when consuming the popular summer fruit. The headlines have even reportedly caused a crash in watermelon prices in Mumbai’s fruit markets.
