India, May 8 -- A forensic investigation into the mysterious deaths of a Mumbai family of four has revealed that the victims died after consuming watermelon contaminated with rat poison, officials said.

The victims were identified as Abdullah Dokadia, 45, his wife Nasreen, 35, and their daughters Zainab, 13, and Ayesha, 16.

According to forensic experts, traces of zinc phosphite, a toxic chemical commonly used in rodenticides, were found in the bodies of all four family members as well as in samples of the watermelon they consumed shortly before falling ill.

The revelation has shifted the investigation away from suspected food poisoning to a possible poisoning case.

Police said the family had hosted relatives for dinner at their Mumba...