What killed Mumbai family of four? Doctors dismiss watermelon-biryani food poisoning scare; probe indicates toxins

MUMBAI: A tragic and puzzling incident in the crowded lanes of Bhendi Bazaar has left both residents and doctors searching for answers after a family of four died within hours of consuming a late-night meal that included watermelon.

The deceased — Abdulla Dodakia (44), his wife Nasreen (35), and their daughters Ayesha (16) and Zainab (12) — had spent Saturday evening with relatives, sharing a biryani-pulao dinner around 10.30pm. According to police, none of the other family members who ate the same food reported any symptoms. However, around 1am on Sunday, the four consumed watermelon separately — the only item not shared with others.

By early morning, between 5am and 5.30am, all four began experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhoea and extreme discomfort. A local doctor was called in, but their condition deteriorated rapidly.

Panic spread through their residential building in Ghati Gali as neighbours found the family in a critical state. Zainab was unresponsive with froth in her mouth, while the others were semi-conscious. Residents rushed them to nearby hospitals, beginning with Saboo Siddique Hospital, where the youngest was declared dead on arrival.

The remaining three were shifted to Sir JJ Hospital, where doctors battled to save them. Despite intensive treatment, Nasreen died within hours of admission. Ayesha and Abdulla, both moved to the intensive care unit, succumbed later the same day, roughly five hours apart.

Doctors at JJ Hospital said the victims showed signs consistent with severe food poisoning, including acute kidney damage. However, they stressed that it is “highly unlikely” that watermelon — even if stale — could lead to such rapid and fatal outcomes in all four individuals.

“There could be some contaminant, additive, or another underlying factor. At this stage, nothing can be ruled out,” said a senior doctor involved in the treatment.
Experts from KEM Hospital also weighed in, reiterating that watermelon is generally safe and widely consumed, especially during summer due to its high water content. Gastroenterologist Dr Akash Shukla noted that while rare cases of toxic reactions from certain vegetables exist, there is no evidence linking watermelon to such fatal incidents.

Police from JJ Marg station have registered cases of accidental death and are awaiting postmortem and forensic reports. Samples of the watermelon, along with viscera and gastric lavage, have been preserved for detailed analysis.

The sequence of deaths has deepened the mystery. Zainab died first around 10.30am, followed by Nasreen about three hours later, Ayesha in the evening, and Abdulla late at night.

The family, known in the area for running a mobile accessories shop in Andheri, was buried on Monday at the Marine Lines Bada Qabarastan. Relatives have declined to comment, as investigators continue to probe what caused the sudden and devastating loss.

For now, doctors urge calm, emphasising that there is no reason for public panic over watermelon consumption, even as the exact cause behind the deaths remains unknown.

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