Pydhonie Family Death Mystery Deepens; Police Suspect Zinc Phosphide-Laced Salt Was Sprinkled on Watermelon

The mystery surrounding the deaths of four members of a family in Mumbai’s Pydhonie area has deepened, with investigators now suspecting that zinc phosphide poison may have been mixed with salt and sprinkled on watermelon consumed by the victims.

As part of the ongoing probe, Mumbai Police have sent salt samples recovered from the family’s residence for fresh forensic examination. 

Investigators are trying to determine whether the toxic substance was deliberately mixed with the salt before being consumed.

According to police sources, statements of over 100 people have been recorded so far as the investigation gathers pace. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in its analysis of food items seized from the house, reportedly found no signs of adulteration, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) confirmed the presence of zinc phosphide in watermelon samples.

The final postmortem report issued by JJ Hospital has also identified zinc phosphide poisoning as the cause of death.

Police are now examining multiple possibilities, including whether the poisoning was part of a planned suicide involving a family member or if the deaths were the result of foul play orchestrated by an outsider.

Investigators also suspect that the original container used to store or administer the poison may have been disposed of, leaving no direct physical evidence behind so far.

The probe remains underway.