Mumbai: The family of four which perished in Mumbai on April 26 died of poisoning, according to findings from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
Traces of zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical commonly used in rat poison, have been found in the bodies of the victims and also samples of the watermelon they had consumed before falling ill.
What happened on that fateful day?
The 45-year-old Abdullah Dokadia, his wife Nasreen, 35, and their children Zainab (13) and Ayesha (16) hosted a dinner for some relatives at their home and served biryani. Hours after the visitors left, the Dokadia family treated themselves to watermelon at around 1 am.
By 5 am, all of them had severe vomiting and diarrhoea, resembling symptoms of fo
od poisoning.
They called a doctor who prescribed some medicines. But as their condition worsened, the quartet was rushed to a hospital. One of the daughters was declared dead before admission, while the remaining three passed away during treatment at the government-run JJ Hospital.
Police registered an accidental death report and started a probe.
Samples of food items from their last meal were collected from their residence, and sent for forensic examination.
As per initial tests, some organs of the victims, including the brain, heart and intestines, had turned green, which was an indication of poisoning.
Morphine, a potent painkiller usually administered in controlled medical settings, was also found in Abdullah’s body.
From food poisoning, the focus of the investigation has shifted towards zinc phosphide poisoning. However, officials are not sure whether the toxic substance was consumed accidentally or deliberately.
There is no decisive evidence yet to suggest the family deliberately took an extreme step. Police have recorded statements of relatives, neighbours and other witnesses as part of the ongoing probe.