Mumbai, May 15: A significant breakthrough has emerged in the mysterious deaths of four family members in the Paydhuni area of Mumbai last month. The final autopsy report submitted by Sir JJ Hospital confirms that all four individuals died from zinc phosphide, a toxic chemical commonly used as a rodenticide.
A senior officer from the Mumbai police stated that the cause of death, as indicated in the report received on Thursday, was indeed poisoning from zinc phosphide. However, the police have yet to determine whether this incident was a case of mass suicide, an accident, or a planned murder.
According to the police investigation, the family had dinner at home with five relatives on the night of the incident. After the guests left, around 1 AM on April 26, the family consumed watermelon. Within the next 12 hours, all four members’ health deteriorated severely, leading to their deaths during treatment.
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report also confirmed the presence of zinc phosphide in both the watermelon and the victims’ viscera samples. The police are now focusing their investigation on the family’s relatives and guests. Authorities are trying to trace who purchased zinc phosphide between April 22 and 25 and brought it to the family’s home. Call detail records of those connected to the case are also being scrutinized.
A police officer mentioned that, at this stage, no direct suspects or solid leads have been identified.
So far, the police have recorded statements from approximately 100 individuals, including relatives, neighbors, and over 20 shopkeepers selling rodenticides in the area. Additionally, inquiries have been made with traders from the mobile accessories market where Abdullah Dokadia worked.
Despite extensive investigations, the police have yet to uncover any evidence clarifying why the family took such drastic measures or if it was part of a conspiracy. The mystery of how the poison reached the watermelon remains unsolved.
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