No bacterial infection found in Mumbai family deaths after watermelon consumption

MUMBAI: The initial report submitted by the microbiology department of a Mumbai-based state-run hospital has stated that no “bacterial infection” was detected in the bodies of four members of a family who died after allegedly consuming watermelon recently, officials said on Wednesday.

The Dokadia family, residents of Ghari Mohalla on Ismail Kurte Road, had hosted a get-together of relatives on the night of April 25. Around 1 am on April 26, after the guests had left, Abdullah Dokadia (40), his wife Nasreen (35), and their daughters Ayesha (16) and Zaineb (13) ate pieces of watermelon.

Soon after, all four suffered severe bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea in the early hours of April 26. They were first taken to a local hospital and later referred to the government-run J J Hospital, where all of them died during treatment.

Following the incident, Mumbai Police, forensic experts, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials visited the residence and collected samples of all food items consumed during the family’s last meal, including chicken pulao, watermelon, water, and other foodstuffs. These samples were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for detailed analysis.



Post-mortem examinations were conducted, and the viscera of the deceased has been preserved for chemical analysis.

As the investigation continues, the microbiology department of J J Hospital has submitted its preliminary report to the police.

"As per the report, no bacterial infection has been detected so far in the bodies of the victims. No bacteria was found in their blood," the official said.

The exact cause of death will be determined once the forensic science laboratory submits its final report, officials said.

"The report will also clarify whether any food items consumed by the family members during the day contained anything poisonous," the official added.
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