Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, May 7: The investigation into the mysterious deaths of four members of a Mumbai family, allegedly after consuming watermelon, has taken a new turn after preliminary medical findings ruled out bacterial infection as the cause of death.
Officials said the exact reason behind the deaths would only be confirmed after the final forensic science laboratory (FSL) report is received.
The victims belonged to the Dokadia family, residents of Ghari Mohalla on Ismail Kurte Road in Mumbai. According to investigators, the family had hosted relatives at their residence on the night of April 25. Later that night, Abdullah Dokadia, his wife Nasreen, and their two daughters reportedly consumed watermelon stored at home.
In the early hours of April 26, all four family members developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea. They were initially taken to a nearby hospital and later shifted to the government-run J J Hospital in Mumbai, where they died during treatment.
Following the incident, officials from Mumbai Police, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and forensic teams visited the residence and collected samples of all food items consumed by the family. The seized samples included chicken pulao, watermelon, drinking water and other eatables, which were sent for laboratory analysis.
Authorities also preserved viscera samples of the deceased for detailed chemical examination as part of the ongoing probe.
Police sources said the microbiology department of J J Hospital has submitted a preliminary report stating that no bacterial infection was detected in the victims’ bodies. Blood samples also reportedly showed no signs of bacterial contamination.
Investigators are now awaiting the detailed forensic laboratory report to determine whether any poisonous or toxic substance was present in the food consumed by the family.
The incident has triggered concern and speculation in the locality, though officials have appealed to the public not to draw conclusions until the final forensic findings are released.