According to doctors who treated the victims, the deaths do not align with typical cases of food poisoning. The deceased—Nasreen, her husband Abdullah Dokadia, and their two daughters Ayesha and Zainab—were admitted to hospital in an unconscious state. Medical experts observed that the symptoms and rapid deterioration in their condition were inconsistent with standard foodborne illness. Doctors emphasized that food poisoning does not usually lead to such a swift and severe decline.
Dr. Sanjay Surase, Medical Superintendent of Sir JJ Hospital, told The Indian Express that the clinical presentation was unusual. He noted that in typical food poisoning cases, symptoms differ significantly and do not escalate so rapidly or severely. The fact that all family members fell critically ill at the same time further deepened suspicion. Doctors indicated that exposure to a toxic or chemical substance could not be ruled out and confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
The incident occurred on Sunday, April 26. The victims—45-year-old Abdullah Dokadia, a mobile accessories shop owner; his 35-year-old wife Nasreen; and their daughters, 13-year-old Zainab and 16-year-old Ayesha—had hosted a dinner for five relatives the previous evening, serving mutton pulao. After the guests left, the family reportedly consumed watermelon around 1 a.m. By approximately 5 a.m., all four began experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhea. Despite medical intervention, they died within hours.
Adding complexity to the case, sources told NDTV that the postmortem examination revealed unusual greenish discoloration in certain organs, including the brain, heart, and intestines—findings not typically associated with food poisoning. Furthermore, traces of morphine, a potent pain-relief medication, were detected in Abdullah Dokadia’s body.
The State Food and Drug Administration has clarified that no direct link has been established between the watermelon and the deaths. Officials stated that investigations are ongoing and that definitive conclusions will only be drawn after comprehensive scientific and chemical analyses.
Police have registered a case of accidental death and recorded statements from all individuals who attended the dinner and consumed the mutton pulao but remained unharmed. Investigators are also examining whether stress or other contributing factors played a role in the sudden deaths. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration is conducting detailed examinations of the watermelon to determine the presence of any toxic substances or adulteration.
Internal organs of the deceased have been sent for advanced chemical analysis, and medical authorities have withheld final conclusions pending confirmation of results. The case has not only intensified scrutiny over food safety but also raised serious questions about possible poisoning, leaving investigators racing to uncover the truth behind one of Mumbai’s most alarming recent incidents.
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