Desk Correspondent , Mumbai – A forensic investigation into the tragic deaths of four members of the Dokadia family in Mumbai has concluded that the cause of death was the accidental ingestion of rat poison, debunking earlier suspicions that a contaminated watermelon was responsible. The Mumbai Police confirmed that the chemical phosphine, a common component in lethal rodenticides, was found in the victims' systems during a detailed chemical analysis. This revelation brings a somber conclusion to a case that had initially sparked a city-wide food safety scare regarding seasonal fruits.

The incident occurred late last month when the family, residing in the Kandivali suburb, fell violently ill shortly after sharing a meal. Initial reports from surviving relatives suggested that the family had consumed a watermelon just before the onset of symptoms, leading to public anxiety about fruit contamination. However, investigators found that the family had recently treated their home for a severe rodent infestation. Forensic experts determined that the poison, which had been placed around the kitchen area, likely contaminated the family’s food or water supply due to improper handling or accidental contact, leading to the fatal poisoning of the four individuals.

Medical examiners noted that the symptoms exhibited by the deceased—including acute respiratory distress and organ failure—were consistent with phosphine gas inhalation or ingestion rather than food poisoning from organic matter. Police officials have ruled out foul play, classifying the event as a tragic domestic accident resulting from the misuse of hazardous household chemicals. Authorities have used the final report to issue a public advisory, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution when using chemical pesticides and to consider hiring professional pest control services to avoid such catastrophic errors in the future.