Mumbai: Histopathology findings from J J Hospital have confirmed forensic toxicology reports of zinc phosphide, commonly known as rat poison, in the deaths of the Dokadia family. The four family members died after consuming a watermelon laced with the toxin. The deaths occurred sequentially following ingestion of the contaminated fruit.
Green Discoloration as Key Marker
Senior doctors at the hospital noted that gross specimens, particularly the liver and kidneys, exhibited a green discoloration, which is a hallmark sign of zinc phosphide poisoning. "This is commonly seen in cases where a patient has succumbed after consuming rat poison," said a senior doctor from the hospital. The histopathological tests are also being used to determine if any of the four family members had pre-existing medical conditions that may have contributed to their deaths.
Further Investigations Underway
A doctor from the pathology department stated that final conclusions regarding the impact of these conditions would be made by the medicine department of the hospital. Another doctor from the hospital’s forensic department told TOI that an official cause of death will only be certified once all findings are concluded. "The histopathology results will help establish whether pre-existing health conditions contributed directly or indirectly to their deaths," the forensic expert added. While the police investigation will determine the circumstances of the event, the forensic department at J J Hospital retains the right to dissent or accept the findings based on clinical evidence.
Timeline of Events
The victims, Abdullah Dokadia (40), his wife Nasreen (35), and their daughters Aayesha (16) and Zainab (13), died on April 26. The family had consumed pulao the previous night with five other relatives, none of whom exhibited any symptoms. However, the four deceased subsequently ate a watermelon at approximately 1 am that night. By 5:30 am, they began suffering from acute vomiting and diarrhea. They were rushed to the hospital but died during treatment. About ten days after their deaths, forensic reports noted that rat poison was found in their viscera as well as in the watermelon samples.
