Investigators probing the mysterious deaths of four members of the Dokadia family in Mumbai’s Pydhonie area have made a major breakthrough after recovering rat poison from the family’s residence. Police officials seized two packets of rat poison along with a rat poison spray from the family’s flat located in the Mughal Building. According to investigators, forensic experts had earlier confirmed the presence of poison in the bodies of the deceased, intensifying suspicions surrounding the tragic incident. Authorities stated that one packet of poison was unopened, while the spray container showed signs of prior use. The residential building reportedly had a serious rat infestation problem, as reported by News 18, citing sources.
Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reports have now confirmed that all four family members died after consuming rat poison. Officials stated that traces of zinc phosphide, a highly toxic substance commonly used in rat poison, were discovered both in the victims’ bodies and in samples of watermelon collected from the house. The shocking case first came to light on April 26 when four members of the Dokadia family died within a span of a few hours, causing panic in the Pydhonie locality. The deceased were identified as Abdullah Dokadia, 44, his wife Nasreen, 35, and their daughters Ayesha, 16, and Zainab, 13.
During the initial stages of the investigation, police suspected that contaminated watermelon may have caused the deaths because all four victims had reportedly eaten the fruit the previous night. However, after nearly 11 days of detailed inquiry and forensic examination, investigators believe they have reached a crucial stage in the case. Police are currently examining whether the incident was a case of mass suicide or if the poisonous substance was mixed into the watermelon by some other means. Investigators are also trying to determine how the zinc phosphide entered the fruit and whether the family consumed it knowingly or accidentally.