A case of presumed food poisoning, that started off as a tragic event in the Pydhonie region of Mumbai, has transformed itself into something much more sinister.
According to forensic results, zinc phosphide, which is typically used for rat poisoning, has been found in the body fluids of the four members of the Dokadia family, and even in watermelon that the family consumed prior to death, reported News18.
In light of this discovery, the Mumbai Police Force is exploring various possibilities, including cases of mass suicide and/or poisoning of the family members, following a massive outrage in the city after this unfortunate incident last month.
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Abdullah Dokadia (44), Nasreen Dokadia (35), Ayesha Dokadia (16) and Zainab Dokadia (13) were the victims of this incident, as they passed away on April 26, following the consumption of the watermelon in their home located in the Pydhonie area.
Forensic findings shift focus from food contamination to poisoning
Early speculations about the incident were mostly focused on food contamination or food poisoning, especially following information that the four members of the family had been eating watermelon the previous day.
However, the current focus on the case seems to be on poisoning because recent forensic tests found traces of zinc phosphide in the internal organs of the deceased and also in the watermelon.
According to News18, officials are examining whether the poison was consumed intentionally, introduced by someone else, or accidentally mixed into the food.
Police have not ruled out foul play and are continuing to examine forensic evidence, family circumstances and other material linked to the case.
Mystery deepens around final hours of Dokadia family
Their death shocked the citizens of Mumbai because it happened in such a short period, with all the four individuals passing away one after another.
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The death incident raised fears about the safety of food items in general because there was an initial report that the melon itself could have been tainted.
In recent days, the authorities have been busy piecing together the last moments of the family’s life to establish exactly how their deaths occurred. Until more forensic and circumstantial evidence is gathered, the authorities will not be able to arrive at any conclusion regarding their death. It has been one of the most intriguing cases that have caught the attention of many citizens of Mumbai lately.
