MUMBAI: The mysterious deaths of four members of the Dokadia family in Mumbai’s Bhendi Bazaar have put the spotlight on zinc phosphide — a toxic rat poison that forensic experts say releases a lethal gas inside the human body and can kill within hours.Forensic experts confirmed on Thursday that traces of zinc phosphide were found in the watermelon consumed by the family shortly before they fell critically ill. The poison was detected only after 54 rounds of forensic testing, far more than the usual 10 to 20 rounds required in poisoning cases.According to forensic officials, the prolonged testing was needed because the victims had vomited out much of the toxin before reaching hospital, leaving behind only trace quantities.The victims — Abdullah Dokadia (44), his wife Nasreen (35), and daughters Ayesha (16) and Zainab (12) — had eaten watermelon around 1.30 am on April 26 after hosting relatives for dinner at their home in Mughal Building in Bhendi Bazaar’s Pydhonie area.Only the four family members consumed the watermelon. Hours later, all of them began vomiting and suffering from severe discomfort and diarrhoea. They were rushed to hospitals, but died one after another through the day. Twelve-year-old Zainab was the first to die around 10 am, while Abdullah succumbed around 10 pm.How zinc phosphide killsExperts say zinc phosphide is commonly used as rat poison because it reacts rapidly once consumed.Inside the stomach, the compound reacts with acid and releases phosphine gas — an extremely toxic substance that spreads through the body and attacks cells by stopping energy production. As oxygen levels collapse, organs begin to fail.Forensic experts said once phosphine gas is released in the body, survival chances become extremely low.“The gas impacts the lungs and rapidly reduces oxygen levels,” a forensic official said, adding that the younger child likely died first because her body could not withstand the toxin.Doctors say the poison acts quickly, especially if consumed with food. Symptoms can begin within 30 minutes to an hour and may include vomiting, dizziness, breathing difficulty and convulsions. In severe cases, liver and kidney failure, delirium and coma can occur.Why treatment becomes difficultMedical experts said timing is crucial in such poisoning cases.Dr Hemalata Arora, an internal medicine specialist, said stomach wash procedures are effective only if performed within roughly one hour of ingestion.“Once the stomach is empty, there is nothing left to wash out,” she said.Doctors at JJ Hospital reportedly carried out stomach wash procedures and administered intensive treatment, but failed to save the family.Experts added that even a very small quantity of zinc phosphide can prove fatal. The poison is also easily available, making accidental or deliberate consumption difficult to rule out immediately.Police yet to decide homicide, suicide or accident anglePolice are still investigating whether the deaths were accidental, suicidal or homicidal. Officials said no rat poison was found inside the Dokadia residence.The forensic report ruled out contamination in the chicken pulao and other food items consumed during the family gathering earlier that evening. Investigators are also examining ayurvedic and unani medicines recovered from the house.Police dismissed speculation about financial distress in the family and said there was no immediate indication of internal conflict.
