Mumbai Watermelon Deaths: Investigators Suspect Salt Mixed With Poison Was Rubbed On Watermelon

Fresh forensic findings in the shocking Mumbai Watermelon Death Case have intensified suspicions of deliberate poisoning after investigators reportedly found traces of zinc phosphide in both the victims and the watermelon consumed by the Dokadia family in Pydhonie. Police now suspect that salt mixed with the toxic substance may have been rubbed on the watermelon before it was eaten, leading to the deaths of four family members.

The incident reportedly took place on the night of 25 April 2026 after the Dokadia family consumed watermelon at their residence in south Mumbai. Soon after eating the fruit, all four family members allegedly began experiencing severe vomiting, dizziness and stomach pain. Their health reportedly deteriorated rapidly through the next day, forcing relatives to rush them to Sir JJ Hospital.

According to investigators, the two daughters were found unconscious before being taken to the hospital alongside their parents. One daughter was declared dead on arrival, while the second reportedly died a few hours later during treatment. The parents, who were also undergoing treatment, later succumbed as well.

A forensic report from Sir JJ Hospital has now reportedly confirmed zinc phosphide poisoning as the cause of death in all four cases. Investigators allegedly found traces of the toxic substance in samples collected from the victims' bodies as well as in the watermelon seized from the family's home.

The findings have significantly strengthened the poisoning angle in the case. Police have now sent salt recovered from the Pydhonie residence for detailed forensic testing after suspecting that it may have been mixed with zinc phosphide and applied to the watermelon before it was consumed.

Officials are also trying to determine how the poison entered the household, as no additional traces of zinc phosphide were reportedly found elsewhere inside the home. Investigators are examining multiple possibilities, including whether the contamination was intentional or accidental.

The histopathology report has further deepened suspicion. Forensic experts examining tissue samples reportedly observed greenish discolouration in the liver and kidney tissues of the deceased - a finding commonly associated with zinc phosphide exposure. Doctors are now comparing these microscopic findings with the symptoms observed before the victims died.

A specialised team of forensic experts and doctors from Sir JJ Hospital is currently reviewing all medical and forensic evidence linked to the case. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police continue to investigate the exact sequence of events that led to the deaths of the four family members in what has become one of the city's most disturbing recent cases.