Mysterious Deaths in Mumbai Family Linked to Watermelon Consumption: No Poison Found

Mumbai, May 2: The mysterious deaths of four members of a family in the Paydhuni area of Mumbai have raised numerous questions. Currently, the Mumbai police are awaiting the toxicology report, which will clarify the actual cause of death.

Initial investigations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found no toxic or harmful substances in the food items. Authorities collected a total of 11 samples from the family’s home, including biryani, watermelon, refrigerator water, raw and cooked rice, chicken, dates, and spices. All tests showed no signs of contamination, complicating the case further.

Conversely, the post-mortem report indicates a different scenario. It revealed the presence of morphine, a type of painkiller, in the deceased’s bodies. Additionally, some tissues displayed an unusual green discoloration, which can typically result from exposure to a toxic substance. However, it remains unclear what the poison was and how it entered the body.

This case emerged on April 26 when 40-year-old Abdullah Dokadia was admitted to the hospital. He reported that after consuming watermelon, he, his wife Nasreen (35), and their two daughters, Aisha (16) and Zainab (13), suddenly fell ill. Their condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to all four losing their lives. The police have registered an accidental death report and initiated an investigation.

Investigating officials state they are examining all angles of the case but have not yet reached any solid conclusions. They are awaiting detailed reports from the Kalina forensic lab, FDA, and JJ Hospital. The toxicology report will clarify whether any poison was ingested and, if so, when.

According to police, no suspicious financial transactions have been identified in this case. Family members described the household as happy, with no signs of disputes or concerns. Investigations into call detail records, digital communications, and other electronic data are ongoing, but no concrete leads have emerged.

Meanwhile, an official from the Kalina forensic lab confirmed that preliminary tests of the viscera samples revealed some unidentified foreign particles. The official stated, “The initial report indicates the presence of external substances in the samples. However, it is still unclear whether these are toxic, medicinal, or of another type. Detailed investigations are ongoing.”