Rat Poison Horror in Mumbai, Family of Four Dies After Consuming Toxic Substance

Mumbai, May 8: A forensic investigation into the mysterious deaths of four members of a family in Mumbai has confirmed the presence of rat poison in their bodies, police officials said on Thursday. The victims died last month under circumstances that initially raised several questions.

According to officials, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report detected zinc phosphide, a chemical commonly used in rat poison, in the viscera samples of all four deceased persons. The toxic substance was reportedly found in samples taken from the liver, kidney, stomach contents, bile, and abdominal fat during post-mortem examinations.

DCP Pravin Mundhe confirmed the findings and said the investigation is still underway. Police have also sent food items recovered from the family’s residence for examination. Preliminary reports indicated that a watermelon sample collected from the house also tested positive for zinc phosphide, strengthening suspicions that the poison may have been consumed through food.

Investigators from the JJ Marg police station have recorded statements from relatives, neighbours, and others connected to the family to determine how the poisonous substance entered the household. Officials have not ruled out any angle, including accidental consumption or deliberate poisoning.

Police sources said forensic experts are closely analysing additional evidence recovered from the residence, including food containers and household items. The case has now shifted focus toward reconstructing the family’s final hours and tracing the source of the poison.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the easy availability and dangerous handling of toxic substances such as rat poison in urban households. Zinc phosphide is known to be highly poisonous and can prove fatal even in small quantities if ingested.

Authorities said further medical and forensic analysis will help establish the exact sequence of events leading to the deaths.