Rat poison killed family of four in Mumbai, not biryani or watermelon

Mumbai: More than a week after a family of four from Mumbai’s Pydhonie area died under mysterious circumstances after eating biryani and watermelon, it has emerged in investigation that the family had likely consumed zinc phosphide, the chemical used in rat poison.

The viscera report on Thursday revealed the presence of zinc phosphide.

Now the investigation of the Mumbai police revolves around a possible suicide pact or murder.

The incident was reported on the intervening night of April 25-26, 2026.

The deceased were Abdullah Dokadia (40), his wife Nasreen (35) and their two daughters Ayesha (16) and Zainab (13). An Accidental Death Report (ADR) case was registered at JJ Marg police station after the incident.

The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were part of the investigations.

According to preliminary findings by police, the family — who stayed in a flat in Mughal Building in Ghari Mohalla on Ismail Kurte Road in Pydhonie - had dinner at around 10.30 pm on 25 April, after which relatives who had joined them for the meal left the house. Later in the night, around 1 am, the family reportedly consumed watermelon.

By early morning on April 26, all four began experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea.

The family doctor was called, who administered primary treatment and advised hospitalisation.

In the morning they were referred to the M.H. Saboo Siddique Maternity & General Hospital from where they were shifted to the Sir JJ Hospital at Byculla.

While the youngest daughter was pronounced dead on admission the others passed away one by one in hospital as their condition rapidly deteriorated.

Abdullah ran a mobile accessories shop in Andheri.

During the course of investigations, the JJ Marg Police had recorded statements of neighbours, relatives and Abdullah’s brothers and other relatives.