What killed the Pydhonie family? Mumbai still waits for answers

Abdullah Dokadia, his wife Nasreen, and daughters Ayesha and Zainab

The mysterious deaths of four members of a family in Pydhonie on April 26 have taken a puzzling turn, with investigators yet to determine the exact cause despite initial suspicions surrounding a meal of biryani and watermelon.

Police and food safety authorities said preliminary medical findings have failed to establish evidence of routine food poisoning, bacterial infection or immediate toxic contamination, shifting the investigation towards deeper forensic analysis.

Mogal Building, where the Dokadia family lived. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I) Praveen Mundhe said the post-mortem report from the Department of Microbiology at JJ Hospital did not reveal any conclusive findings.

"The gastric contents and blood samples have shown nothing positive. There were no signs of microbial activity either," Mundhe told mid-day. Officials said the absence of microbial traces effectively rules out conventional bacterial food poisoning at this stage.

Investigation now hinges on FSL report

With no clear medical explanation emerging from the initial analysis, investigators are exploring multiple possibilities while awaiting the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report. "There are many hearsay claims doing the rounds, but our investigation will depend on the Forensic Science Laboratory report. The case is taking time and is a little confusing," Mundhe said. Authorities have urged citizens to avoid speculation until scientific findings are available.

Delay in sample collection raises concern

FDA Commissioner Sridhar Dube-Patil said delays in collecting samples from the family's residence may have affected the quality of evidence. According to officials, decomposition and contamination after the incident may have altered the original condition of food samples. "Fungus and bacteria can develop, making it difficult to get an accurate report," Dube-Patil said, adding that the final forensic findings would be crucial in determining the exact cause behind the deaths.

What remains to be probed

>> Possible chemical or toxic exposure
>> Whether delayed sampling altered the evidence
>> Source of contamination
>> Other factors involved

Investigators have ruled out so far

>> No microbial activity detected in gastric contents
>> Blood and viscera samples showed nothing positive
>> No immediate signs of routine bacterial food poisoning
>> No clear indication of common contamination in preliminary analysis