Mumbai 'Watermelon Deaths': Family of Four Die After Fruit Tests Positive for Rat Poison

A family of four in Mumbai was found dead on April 25 after eating a watermelon that later tested positive for a toxic compound commonly used in rodent poison, police and forensic officials said.

Victims: Authorities identified the deceased as Abdullah Dokadia, his wife Nasreen, and their daughters Ayesha and Zainab. The family lived in the Pydhonie neighborhood of Mumbai.

Timeline and Initial Symptoms

Relatives shared a meal of biryani with the family the night before; guests left at about 10:30 p.m., police told the BBC. A few hours later the Dokadias ate watermelon and soon developed severe vomiting and diarrhea. They were taken first to a local hospital and later transferred to JJ Hospital, where all four were pronounced dead.

Forensic Findings

Forensic investigators reported detecting zinc phosphide—the active compound in many rodenticides—in samples taken from the victims and from a watermelon seized during the probe. Dr. Vijay Thakare, director of the Forensic Science Laboratory, said zinc phosphide was found in viscera samples, including the liver, kidney and spleen, as well as in stomach contents, bile and abdominal fat.

What Zinc Phosphide Does

Mumbai-based physician Bhushan Rokade described zinc phosphide as "an extremely toxic chemical compound." He explained that when zinc phosphide is ingested or contacts moisture it generates phosphine gas, which prevents cells from using oxygen and can cause rapid, multi-organ damage.

Investigation Underway

Deputy Commissioner of Police Pravin Mundhe confirmed the compound was detected in a watermelon sample but not in other food items seized from the home. Police say they have questioned dozens of people, including relatives, neighbors and coworkers, and continue to examine all possibilities, saying they have not ruled out accidental poisoning, suicide or homicide.

Context and Local Impact

The building where the family lived reportedly had a rodent problem; residents told investigators they often used repellents, poison cakes and glue pads to control infestations. News of the deaths also triggered a drop in fruit prices at local Mumbai markets as consumers reacted to the reports.

Authorities' next steps: Forensic teams continue to analyze evidence to determine how zinc phosphide came to be present in the watermelon and whether contamination was accidental or intentional.

Officials have not yet released a definitive cause or motive; the investigation remains ongoing.