Rat poison ingredient caused deaths of four members of Mumbai family, not watermelon consumption: Official

NEW DELHI: The deaths of four members of a family in south Mumbai last month were caused by zinc phosphide, a chemical commonly used in rat poison, and not by consumption of watermelon as initially suspected, PTI reported on Thursday, citing officials. The chemical was reportedly detected in the viscera samples of all four.

The case came to light in April after the muslim family, comprising a husband, wife and their two daughters — died following suspected food poisoning.

Earlier, deputy commissioner of police (Zone 1) Pravin Munde had said the investigation into the deaths was under way and that food and body samples had been collected for examination following the post-mortem.

In a self-recorded video statement issued last month, Munde said the family had hosted relatives for a meal at their residence on April 25.

“A report of unnatural death has been reported at JJ Marg Police Station. Four members of a Muslim family - husband, wife and their two daughters - died. On 25th April, they had invited a few relatives to their home and had a meal with them. Around 10-10.30 pm, after the meal, the relative left,” he said.

“The family consumed watermelon around 1-1.30 am at night. Around 5-6 am, they started complaining of vomiting and loose motions. They were rushed to a nearby hospital and yesterday, all four of them died,” Munde added.

He had also said that a post-mortem was conducted and samples were collected as part of the investigation.

“A postmortem was done, and food samples and samples from their body were also taken. Further investigation continued,” he had said.

Earlier on Wednesday, officials said post-mortem examinations had been conducted and the viscera of the deceased preserved for chemical analysis, adding that as part of the investigation, the microbiology department of JJ Hospital submitted a preliminary report to the police stating that no bacterial infection had been detected in the victims.

“As per the report, no bacterial infection has been detected so far in the bodies of the victims. No bacteria was found in their blood,” an official had said.

Officials added the exact cause of death would be determined after the forensic science laboratory submitted its final report. “The report will also clarify whether any food items consumed by the family members during the day contained anything poisonous,” the official had added.