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Maharashtra: What first appeared to be a tragic case of suspected food poisoning in Mumbai has now taken a deeply disturbing turn. Eleven days after four Dokadia family members died within hours of each other, authorities discovered the remains of Zinc Phosphide, a deadly chemical often used in rat poison, in the bodies of all four deceased.  

The same chemical has apparently been found in watermelon samples seized from the family's house, drastically changing the direction of the investigation.

The chilling mystery took place in Ghari Mohalla on Ismail Kurte Road, where Abdullah Dokadia (44), his wife Nasreen (35), and their daughters Ayesha (16) and Zainab (13) had hosted relatives for dinner on the night of April 25.

According to authorities, five relatives attended the family party during which mutton pulao was served. After the guests left at 1 AM on April 26, the four family members allegedly ate slices of watermelon stored at home.

Within a short period of time, all four developed severe vomiting and diarrhea. They were hurried to a neighboring hospital before being transferred to Mumbai's government-run J J Hospital. Despite therapy, all four died within a few hours. The deaths quickly sparked suspicion throughout the neighborhood.

Toxic Chemical Exposure 

Police, forensic teams, and Food and Drug Administration(FDA) inspectors later went to the residence and gathered samples of everything eaten that night, including chicken pulao, watermelon, water, and other leftovers. These samples were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for examination.

As the investigation developed, forensic evidence apparently began to suggest to toxic chemical exposure rather than simple food poisoning. Officials also confirmed that no bacterial infection was found in the victims' blood tests, further weakening the food poisoning allegation.

Investigators have now ruled out watermelon as the primary cause of death. Authorities are currently investigating how the poisonous chemical entered the food ingested by the family. Police said it's unclear whether the poisoning was accidental or intentional. So yet, authorities have uncovered no compelling indication that the family intended to take such a drastic action.

The JJ Marg Police Station, which is conducting the investigation, has taken testimony from relatives, neighbours, and others associated with the family. Officials are trying to investigate every potential angle in the case.