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Watermelon deaths mystery deepens after rat poison bottle is found
On April 26, the Dokadia family fell ill after consuming watermelon. Forensic findings later linked zinc phosphide to the deaths and the watermelon, and a rat poison bottle was discovered at the home, prompting renewed investigations.
Why It Matters
The case raises questions about how a lethal toxin entered a private residence and how investigators will trace the supply chain and motives.
Timeline
4 Events
Investigation restarted; focus on source of poison
May 9, 2026
Police said the investigation had been started afresh and would focus on locating the source of the poison. They would review CCTV footage and speak with pharmacists to determine who sold or purchased the rodenticide, and whether the deceased were under financial strain or had enemies.
Rat poison bottle found at home
May 8, 2026
A bottle of rat poison (rat repellent) was recovered from the Dokadia family’s home. Officials noted that the bottle did not list zinc phosphide and said it would be sent for forensic examination.
Forensic findings submitted to police
May 7, 2026
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) submitted its report to the police. The report stated that the viscera of all four deceased contained traces of zinc phosphide and that the toxin was found in the watermelon that the family had a few hours before they fell ill.
Dokadia family fall ill after consuming watermelon
April 26, 2026
The Dokadia family — Abdulla Dokadia, 40; his wife Nasreen, 35; and their daughters Ayesha, 16, and Zainab, 13 — fell ill hours after eating a watermelon. Police had registered four accidental death cases around the time of the Dokadias’ illness as investigators pursued how the deaths occurred.