A horrifying mystery in India has left an entire family dead after investigators say they unknowingly ate watermelon contaminated with a toxic chemical commonly used in rat poison.
The tragic deaths of Abdullah Dokadia, his wife Nasreen Dokadia, and their two daughters, Ayesha Dokadia and Zainab Dokadia, have shocked residents across Mumbai and sparked widespread fear over how the deadly chemical ended up inside the fruit.
The family was found dead inside their home in Mumbai’s Pydhonie neighborhood on April 25 after suddenly becoming violently ill just hours after eating watermelon.
According to police, the family had hosted relatives for dinner the night before their deaths and served biryani during the gathering. Family members reportedly left around 10:30 p.m.
A few hours later, the Dokadias ate watermelon together before all four began suffering severe vomiting and diarrhea.
The family was rushed to a nearby hospital before later being transferred to JJ Hospital, but doctors were unable to save them.
The disturbing case quickly became known across India as the “watermelon deaths,” with panic spreading so rapidly that fruit prices reportedly crashed in some Mumbai markets.
Investigators later discovered zinc phosphide — an extremely toxic chemical often found in rat poison — inside the victims’ organs and in samples of the watermelon recovered from the home.
Forensic experts said the poison was detected in tissue samples taken from the liver, kidneys and spleen, as well as stomach contents and abdominal fat.
Authorities also confirmed the toxic chemical was found only in the watermelon and not in any of the other food items collected during the investigation.
Police say they are still trying to determine whether the deaths were caused by foul play, a tragic accident or suicide.
“We are still collecting evidence and looking at all angles,” one senior officer reportedly said. “We have not ruled out homicide, accidental death or suicide.”
According to reports, the apartment building where the family lived had an ongoing rodent problem, and many residents regularly used poison products to deal with rats.
Medical experts warned that zinc phosphide can be deadly even in tiny amounts.
One doctor explained that once the chemical enters the body, it creates phosphine gas, which prevents cells from properly using oxygen and can rapidly destroy multiple organs.
Police have reportedly interviewed dozens of relatives, neighbors and coworkers as investigators continue searching for answers in the deeply disturbing case.