Family of Four Dies After Eating Watermelon Following Dinner

28/04/2026

MUMBAI, April 28: A tragic suspected food poisoning incident has claimed the lives of four members of the same family in the Pydhonie area, with authorities launching a detailed investigation into the cause.

According to Mumbai Police, the victims — identified as Abdullah Dokadia (40), his wife Nasreen Dokadia (35), and their daughters Aisha Dokadia (16) and Zainab Dokadia (13) — fell critically ill in the early hours of April 26 after a family gathering the previous night.

Police said nine family members had attended a dinner around 10:30 pm on April 25, where food, including biryani, was served. After the gathering ended, the Dokadia family returned home, where they reportedly consumed watermelon between 1:00 am and 1:30 am.

Within hours, between 5:30 am and 6:00 am, all four began experiencing severe symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. A local doctor initially treated them before they were rushed to JJ Hospital as their condition rapidly deteriorated.

Despite medical efforts, the younger daughter died around 10:15 am, followed by the mother and elder daughter during treatment. The father succumbed later that night at approximately 10:30 pm.

Post-mortem examinations have been conducted, and officials said the exact cause of death will be determined after detailed histopathological analysis. An accidental death case has been registered at JJ Marg Police Station.

Investigators have collected food samples, including leftover watermelon, along with biological specimens for forensic testing. Authorities have not ruled out contamination or the presence of toxic substances, and are examining whether the illness was linked to the dinner or the fruit consumed later.

The incident has raised concerns about food safety, with officials urging caution while the investigation continues to determine the exact source and nature of the suspected poisoning.