27 April,2026 06:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The samples of food items and watermelon have been seized for examination, an official said. Representational Pic/File
A family of four died in Mumbai in a suspected case of food poisoning, police said on Monday, adding that initial probe has revealed that they ate a watermelon before falling sick.
According to officials, the family that resided in JJ Marg area had hosted a dinner at their residence on April 25, attended by five relatives. After the meal, the relatives returned home. Later that night, between 1:00 am and 1:30 am, the family reportedly consumed watermelon.
By early morning, around 5:30 am to 6:00 am, all four family members developed symptoms such as vomiting and loose motion. They were first treated by a family doctor and were later referred to Sir J J Hospital as their condition worsened.
Preliminary findings suggest that the watermelon may have caused the food poisoning, as none of the guests who consumed only the chicken pulao reported any illness. Authorities are treating this as a suspected case pending confirmation.
The deceased include a 40-year-old man, his 35-year-old wife, and their two daughters aged 16 and 13.
The deceased have been identified as Abdullah (40), his wife Nasrin (35), and their daughters Zainab (13) and Ayesha (16), officials said.
The younger daughter died at approximately 10:15 am while undergoing treatment. The father was the last to succumb at around 10:30 pm later that night.
Despite medical efforts, all four members of the family could not be saved, officials said.
A post-mortem examination has been conducted, and the cause of death will be confirmed after the histopathology report is received. Police have seized samples of the food items, including the watermelon, for further examination.
"The post-mortem has been done and opinion is reserved for histo patho report. The samples of food items and watermelon have been seized for examination. Further probe is going on," said an official.
An accidental death (ADR) case has been registered at JJ Marg police station, and further enquiry is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the suspected food poisoning, a senior Mumbai Police official said.
Further details area awaited.
