Ahmedabad: The suspected case of fatal food poisoning in Chandkheda has now taken a serious turn, with investigators probing it as a potential double murder after forensic findings reportedly revealed toxic pesticides in the blood samples of two young sisters and their parents.

The deaths of three-month-old Raha and four-year-old Mishri Prajapati were initially attributed to contaminated dosa batter. However, the investigation has shifted direction, with police now considering conducting a lie detection test on family members.

Police have confirmed that blood samples contained aluminium phosphide and zinc—highly toxic substances commonly used in insecticides and rodenticides. During the probe, it also emerged that the father, Vimal Prajapati, had purchased 10 packets of a wheat preservative containing aluminium phosphide. While eight packets were reportedly used, he has been unable to explain the whereabouts of the remaining two during repeated questioning.

In addition, a search of the family’s residence led to the recovery of a personal diary belonging to the mother, Bhavna, who is currently hospitalised. The diary reportedly contains handwritten prayers and a vow to visit a Shiva temple if she gave birth to a son. Investigators are now examining whether a preference for a male child, coupled with financial distress and frequent domestic disputes, could have been a possible motive.

Vimal Prajapati was questioned by police for nearly nine hours on Friday, during which he maintained that the dosa batter purchased from a local dairy was spoiled. However, this claim has weakened as other customers who consumed batter from the same batch did not report any illness. The final forensic science laboratory (FSL) report is still awaited.

With inconsistencies in the statements of the parents and grandparents raising suspicion, authorities are likely to seek court permission to conduct lie detection tests as part of the ongoing investigation. DeshGujarat