A new twist has emerged in the case of four family members who died after allegedly consuming biryani and watermelon, after the forensic science laboratory (FSL) report revealed that the rodent-repellent tablet recovered during the investigation contained no trace of Zinc Phosphide.
The development has raised fresh questions over how traces of Zinc Phosphide were found in both the watermelon samples and the viscera of the deceased.
According to the police, the tablet linked to rodents was not meant to kill rats, but was used only as a repellent to prevent rodents from entering homes due to its smell. Police said the tablet did not contain Zinc Phosphide, whereas Zinc Phosphide-based tablets are commonly used to kill rodents.
The deceased were identified as 44-year-old Abdullah Dokadia, his 35-year-old wife Nasrin, and their two daughters — Ayesha (16) and Zaben (13). The family reportedly fell ill after consuming biryani and later eating watermelon on April 26.
The FSL report confirmed that the family died due to the presence of Zinc Phosphide detected in the watermelon samples consumed by them after the meal. The same chemical was also found in the viscera samples of all four deceased members.
Investigators had earlier said the rat poison present in the watermelon was the cause of death. The family reportedly suffered vomiting and breathlessness before being rushed to JJ Hospital, where all four later died.
However, the latest findings have deepened the mystery, as the rodent-related tablet recovered during the probe did not contain Zinc Phosphide. Investigators are now trying to determine how the toxic substance entered the watermelon.
Police are probing whether the watermelons were accidentally contaminated or whether the poison was deliberately injected, opening up the possibility of a larger conspiracy.
“Whether these four family members were killed by being given watermelon containing Zinc Phosphide, or whether they consumed it on their own, will be probed further to ascertain whether this is a case of suicide or a conspiracy to murder the family,” police said, adding that further investigation is underway and more details are expected to emerge.
