Agencies | Mumbai:
In a tragic incident, four members of a family, including a couple and their two daughters, died due to suspected food poisoning in the Pydhonie area of Mumbai, police said on Monday.
According to officials, the incident occurred on the night of April 25, when nine family members had dinner together at around 10:30 PM. While relatives later returned to their homes, the four victims reportedly consumed watermelon between 1:00 AM and 1:30 AM.
By early morning on April 26, between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM, all four developed severe symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea. They were initially attended by a family doctor and later shifted to Sir JJ Hospital for advanced treatment.
Despite medical efforts, the younger daughter succumbed at around 10:15 AM, followed by the husband later that night at approximately 10:30 PM. The wife and elder daughter also died during treatment.
The deceased have been identified as Abdullah Dokadia (40), his wife Nasreen Dokadia (35), and their daughters Aisha (16) and Zainab (13). Preliminary findings suggest the family had consumed biryani before eating watermelon later in the night.
Police have registered an Accidental Death case at JJ Marg Police Station. While post-mortem examinations have been conducted, the exact cause of death will be confirmed after histopathological reports are received. Authorities said the source of the suspected contamination remains under investigation.
In a separate incident in Jharkhand’s Giridih district, a seven-year-old child died and at least 18 others were hospitalised after allegedly consuming contaminated street food, including golgappa and chaat, highlighting growing concerns over food safety.
Officials have urged the public to remain cautious about food hygiene, as foodborne illnesses can lead to severe health complications.
