A family in Mumbai’s Pydhonie area had a biryani feast on the night of 25 April, followed by watermelon. By morning, their condition had worsened and all four members of the family had died. Initially, there was speculation that food poisoning may have been caused by eating watermelon along with biryani. However, an FSL report released on 7 May found a dangerous poison — zinc phosphide — in the victims’ stomach, liver and kidneys. The same poison was also found in the leftover piece of watermelon that the family had eaten that night. So what exactly is zinc phosphide, which can kill so quickly? Was this murder, an accident or suicide? We will understand in today’s Explainer… What new facts have emerged in the forensic report? In the initial investigation, possibilities ranging from food adulteration to food poisoning caused by eating watermelon with rice were being considered. Last week, another report had revealed that the victims’ heart, intestines and brain had turned green, which happens in cases of poisoning. What is zinc phosphide and where is it used? Zinc phosphide is a dark slate-grey toxic chemical commonly used in rat poison… When there is food in the stomach, zinc phosphide remains there longer and reacts gradually, making it more dangerous. Food also increases the amount of gastric acid. More acid means more phosphine gas. Zinc phosphide becomes even more dangerous when consumed with watermelon. Watermelon contains a high amount of water, creating more moisture, which speeds up the reaction. How could zinc phosphide have entered the watermelon? In the Mumbai case, there are three possible explanations for how the poison entered the watermelon… 1. During pesticide use or storage 2. The poison was deliberately mixed into the watermelon 3. The family themselves mixed the poison for suicide The case remains so complicated that police have not yet been able to determine whether it should be treated as an accident, murder or suicide. How can people in India protect themselves from such poison in fruits and vegetables? Farmers generally do not directly use zinc phosphide on fruits and vegetables, but people should still exercise caution… Coconut oil is used to clean the stomach. Zinc phosphide powder does not dissolve in oil, so oil helps prevent the poison from spreading further. In addition, sodium bicarbonate found in baking soda is used in an attempt to reduce stomach acidity. What is the full story behind the Mumbai watermelon deaths? The deaths linked to eating watermelon involve the family of businessman Abdullah Dokadia from Mumbai’s Pydhonie area. According to police statements and media reports… A case of unnatural death of Abdullah and his entire family has been registered at Mumbai’s JJ Marg Police Station. Investigation is ongoing.
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