The mysterious deaths of four members of a family in Mumbai have taken a new turn, with investigators moving away from the earlier suspicion that contaminated watermelon caused the tragedy. The initial theory had sparked panic in the city and even led to a temporary drop in watermelon sales.
However, officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have now clarified that laboratory tests found no harmful chemicals or contamination in the watermelon samples consumed by the family. This has largely ruled out the fruit as the direct cause of death.
Family Fell Ill Hours After Meal
The incident occurred on April 27, when Abdullah Dokadia (reported age 40–45), his wife Naseem (35), and their two daughters Ayesha (16) and Zainab (13) reportedly consumed watermelon after a late-night meal that included mutton biryani or pulao during a small gathering at their Mumbai home.
Relatives said the family began vomiting and fell unconscious within hours. All four were rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared them dead on arrival or shortly after admission.
Morphine Found in Bodies Raises Poisoning Suspicion
Investigators are now focusing on a possible toxic substance after forensic reports detected traces of morphine in the bodies of the deceased. Morphine is a strong painkiller normally used in controlled medical settings.
A source familiar with the investigation told CNN-News18, “The presence of morphine suggests possible toxic ingestion, but the source is still unknown and under investigation.”
Doctors also noted unusual findings during post-mortem examinations. Reports mentioned that internal organs, including the brain, heart, and intestines, had turned green, which experts say may indicate chemical exposure or poisoning.
No Clear Cause Yet, Forensic Tests Ongoing
Officials have stressed that the exact cause of death has not been confirmed. A detailed forensic science laboratory (FSL) report is still awaited.
According to The Times of India, experts are examining multiple possibilities, including toxic poisoning and rare bacterial infection. Authorities said they are considering all angles before drawing conclusions.
A police official said, “We are waiting for final toxicology reports. At this stage, nothing can be confirmed.”
Watermelon Panic Affected Markets in Mumbai
The early suspicion around watermelon caused panic in several Mumbai areas, including Bhendi Bazaar and Pydhonie. Traders reported a sudden drop in demand, with watermelon supplies briefly disappearing from some markets.
In some places, prices reportedly fell sharply, with sellers offering the fruit for as low as ₹5 per kilogram due to low demand. Traders have now urged authorities to issue a clear statement to prevent further confusion.
Police Investigation Continues
A case of accidental death has been registered. Police have recorded statements from guests who attended the gathering and reportedly consumed food at the same event but did not fall ill.
Investigators are also exploring whether any personal stress or other external factors may have played a role, though no clear motive has emerged so far.
The state FDA and forensic teams are continuing chemical analysis of viscera samples. Officials say only the final report will determine whether this was a case of poisoning, contamination, or an entirely different medical cause.
