MUMBAI: In a deeply distressing incident that has left residents of South Mumbai’s Pydhonie area in shock, four members of a single family died within hours of each other on April 26 after experiencing severe symptoms following the consumption of watermelon in the early hours of the morning.
The deaths have raised questions about possible food poisoning, though doctors and police have cautioned that the exact cause remains under investigation, with forensic and histopathological reports still awaited.
The deceased have been identified as Abdullah Dokadia (aged around 40-44), who ran a mobile phone accessories shop in Andheri; his wife Nasreen (35); and their two daughters, Aisha (16) and Zainab (13). The family resided on the second floor of Mughal Building in Ghati Gali, Bhendi Bazaar, Pydhonie.
Shared Meal with Relatives, Followed by Watermelon
On the evening of April 25, the family hosted relatives for dinner. Around 10:30 pm, nine family members, including the four who later fell ill, shared a meal that included biryani and pulao. The other relatives who consumed the same dishes left for their homes shortly afterward and reported no ill effects.
Later that night, between 1:00 am and 1:30 am on April 26, the four family members, Abdullah, Nasreen, Ayesha, and Zainab, ate watermelon. According to preliminary statements recorded by police from Abdullah and Ayesha before their deaths, they attributed subsequent symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea to the fruit. No other family members or guests consumed the watermelon.
Rapid Onset of Symptoms and Sequence of Deaths
Symptoms began in the early morning hours of April 26, around 5:00 am to 6:00 am, with all four experiencing vomiting, loose motions (diarrhoea), severe discomfort, and weakness. By 9:30 am to 10:00 am, neighbours heard commotion from the flat and alerted a homeopath, Dr. Zaid Qureshi, who lives on the fourth floor of the same building.
Dr. Zaid Qureshi described the scene: “When I reached, there were four people inside, including two daughters and the husband. They were in a drowsy state. One of the daughters was gasping for breath. She was panting and had no pulse.” He added, “Their condition worsened suddenly at night. They had vomiting, diarrhoea and weakness.” He attempted CPR on one of the daughters, but she did not revive and was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital (Saboo Siddique Hospital). The others were shifted to Sir JJ Hospital in Byculla.
The deaths occurred in quick succession on April 26:
•Zainab (younger daughter) around 10:15-10:30 am
•Nasreen around 1:30 pm
•Ayesha around 5:15 pm
•Abdullah around 10:15 pm
All four succumbed within roughly 12-17 hours of symptom onset, despite medical intervention, including treatment at JJ Hospital where symptoms were noted as consistent with severe food poisoning and significantly impacted kidneys.
Medical Mystery and Doctor Observations
Doctors at JJ Hospital have described the case as puzzling. Dr Sanjay Surase, medical superintendent at JJ Hospital, stated as quoted by TOI: “It’s very unlikely a stale watermelon can be this fatal. There could be some additives or something else altogether at play. At this point, we are not ruling out any possibility.”
The rapid progression and severity, particularly the impact on the kidneys, have left medical professionals seeking clarity from forensic analysis. Postmortem examinations have been conducted, and samples of the watermelon, along with biological samples (viscera) from the bodies, have been sent for chemical and histopathological analysis.
Police Investigation: Accidental Death Cases Registered
The JJ Marg police station has registered cases of unnatural/accidental deaths. No foul play is suspected at this stage, though the investigation remains active. Deputy Commissioner of Police Pravin Munde said: “Postmortem has been conducted. Food samples and body samples have been taken. Further investigation is underway.” The forensic and postmortem reports, which may take around 15 days, will be crucial in determining the exact cause.
Police have recorded statements from surviving relatives and are speaking with neighbours. Relatives have been advised to limit media interactions amid circulating rumours, including false claims that more people were affected.
A cousin of the family, Mohammed Mustafa Iqbal, told Indian Express: “The only thing different they had was the watermelon, which none of the guests ate. We suspect it could be the reason, but we will have to wait for the forensic and the postmortem report.”
Extended family members, including Abdullah’s mother and sister-in-law, have expressed profound grief. Abdullah’s mother said she could not believe the entire family was wiped out, recalling playing with her granddaughters just the previous weekend. Ayesha had recently appeared for her Class X (SSC) exams and was expected to perform well, while Zainab was preparing for Class IX.
The incident has sent ripples through the close-knit community in Pydhonie. Last rites were performed on April 27. AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan described the event as “extremely tragic, serious and heart-wrenching” and demanded that the government thoroughly investigate and make the report public.
As of April 28, the Mumbai Police continue their probe, with emphasis on laboratory results from the watermelon and biological samples. Authorities have stressed the need to avoid speculation until scientific findings confirm whether the watermelon was contaminated, stale, or contained any additives or toxins.
Updates are expected once the forensic reports are available.
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