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Not watermelon, what really killed Mumbai family of 4
02 May 2026

The tragic deaths of a Mumbai family of four last week, initially blamed on a contaminated watermelon, may have been caused by poisoning.

The victims were 45-year-old Abdullah Dokadia, his wife Nasreen (35), and their children Zainab (13) and Ayesha (16).

They had hosted a dinner for five relatives on Saturday night with mutton pulao. After the guests left, the family ate watermelon around 1am and fell ill by 5am with severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Unusual green discoloration in organs
Autopsy findings

According to a report by NDTV, which cited sources, initial forensic tests have revealed an unusual green discoloration in some organs of the victims, including the brain, heart, and intestines. This is not a common finding in food poisoning cases.

Further complicating matters, morphine, a cited powerful painkiller, was found in Abdullah Dokadia's body. Investigators are now trying to determine if this was due to previous medical treatment or accidental exposure.

FDA awaits scientific confirmation
Ongoing investigation

The state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has clarified that there is no direct link between the watermelon and the deaths of the Dokadia family. They are awaiting scientific confirmation before drawing any conclusions.

The viscera of all four victims have been sent for chemical analysis as part of this ongoing investigation.

Police probe ongoing
Legal proceedings

The police have registered a case of accidental death and are probing whether the family was under stress.

They have also recorded statements from guests who ate the mutton pulao but remained unharmed and exhibited no symptoms.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to determine the exact cause of this tragic incident.