A tragic and mysterious incident in Mumbai’s Pydhonie area has sparked fear among residents after a family of four reportedly died following a meal that included watermelon. The incident has also had a significant impact on the fruit market, especially in Navi Mumbai’s APMC, where both prices and demand for watermelon have sharply declined.
According to reports, wholesale watermelon prices, which typically range between ₹10 and ₹35 per kilogram, have dropped to as low as ₹5 to ₹7 per kilogram. Retail prices, usually between ₹30 and ₹100 per kilogram, have also been affected, leaving traders concerned about mounting losses despite watermelon being a popular summer fruit.
The victims have been identified as Abdullah Dokadia (40), his wife Nasreen (35), and their two daughters, Ayesha (16) and Zainab (13). On Saturday night, the family had dinner at their residence in Mughal Building in Bhendi Bazaar, where nine people were present. While five visiting relatives remained unaffected, the family later consumed leftover watermelon before going to sleep.
In the early hours of Sunday, all four began experiencing severe symptoms, including stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. A local doctor provided initial treatment, which offered only temporary relief. By around 10:30 am, they were rushed to Sir J. J. Hospital. One of the daughters was declared dead before arrival, while the mother and the other daughter died shortly after admission. Abdullah succumbed later that night during treatment.
Preliminary findings from the autopsy reportedly indicated the presence of a substance resembling painkillers in their bodies, though hospital authorities have not officially confirmed this. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation and collected 11 samples from the residence for laboratory testing. These include biryani, watermelon, stored drinking water, rice (both raw and cooked), chicken (raw and cooked), dates, and various spices.
Also Read: Mumbai Family Death: Doctors Clarify No Confirmed Link to Watermelon Food Poisoning