Pydhonie Family Deaths: Rat Poison, Not Biryani Or Watermelon, Behind Mumbai Tragedy, Reveals Report

By Lokmat Times Desk | Updated: May 7, 2026 18:04 IST2026-05-07T18:03:28+5:302026-05-07T18:04:48+5:30

A major revelation has emerged in the mysterious deaths of four members of a family in Mumbai’s Paydhuni area ...

Pydhonie Family Deaths: Rat Poison, Not Biryani Or Watermelon, Behind Mumbai Tragedy, Reveals Report | Pydhonie Family Deaths: Rat Poison, Not Biryani Or Watermelon, Behind Mumbai Tragedy, Reveals Report

Pydhonie Family Deaths: Rat Poison, Not Biryani Or Watermelon, Behind Mumbai Tragedy, Reveals Report

A major revelation has emerged in the mysterious deaths of four members of a family in Mumbai’s Paydhuni area on April 26. Initial suspicion had pointed towards biryani or watermelon consumed by the family before their deaths. However, investigators have now found that the real cause was poisoning from rat poison. Traces of zinc phosphide, a toxic chemical commonly used in rodent poison, were detected in the bodies of all four victims. The shocking discovery has shifted the direction of the investigation entirely. The deaths had sparked panic and speculation across the city after all four family members died within a span of just a few hours on the same day.

After nearly 11 days of investigation, authorities have finally identified the likely reason behind the deaths of the Dokadia family. Abdullah Dokadia, aged 44, his wife Nasreen, 35, and their daughters Ayesha, 16, and Zainab, 13, had all died suddenly on April 26. Earlier, it was believed that the family may have suffered severe food poisoning after eating biryani followed by watermelon late at night. The incident had created widespread concern and raised questions about food safety. However, forensic findings have now indicated that zinc phosphide poisoning, and not contaminated food, was responsible for the tragedy, bringing a crucial breakthrough in the high-profile investigation.

Family members have ruled out the possibility of any conspiracy behind the deaths. Meanwhile, police officials and forensic experts are continuing a detailed probe into every aspect of the case. According to sources, a “death audit” has also been initiated at the hospital where the family members were treated. Through this process, authorities are examining whether there was any delay, negligence, or lapse in the medical treatment provided to the victims. Hospital authorities have maintained that the patients were treated strictly according to established medical protocols. A committee of doctors has been formed to investigate the matter further, and future action will depend on the findings submitted in the final report.

Also Read: Mumbai Watermelon Case Takes New Twist: Family’s Blood Report Raises Fresh Questions

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) team has also joined the investigation to examine all possible angles connected to the case. Officials said expert opinions may be sought if required during the inquiry. At the same time, JJ Hospital has begun conducting a detailed death audit of the four victims. The audit is expected to determine whether there was any delay in treatment or any medical oversight during the emergency response. Earlier medical reports had already ruled out the possibility of food poisoning, contradicting the initial assumptions surrounding the deaths. Investigators are now focusing entirely on how the zinc phosphide entered the victims’ bodies and the circumstances leading to the poisoning.

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