On the night of 25 April, a family living in Mumbai hosted a biryani dinner. After the meal, the guests left. Late at night, the family ate watermelon. By morning, all four family members began experiencing vomiting, diarrhoea and breathing difficulties. Within a few hours, the husband, wife and their two teenage daughters died. What could be the reason behind these mysterious deaths? Can eating biryani and watermelon together really create poison in the stomach? Which foods should not be eaten together? We explore these questions in today’s explainer. What is the full case of the mysterious deaths of the family in Mumbai? This case concerns the family of local trader Abdullah Dokadia, who lived in the Pydhonie area of South Mumbai. According to police statements and media reports: On 26 April, Nasreen died around 1:30 pm, Ayesha around 5:15 pm, and Abdullah around 10:15 pm at JJ Hospital. A case of unnatural death has been registered at JJ Road Police Station. What is known so far about the cause of death? Abdullah’s cousin, Mohammad Mustafa Iqbal, said that the only food item was watermelon, which no guest had eaten. “We suspect the deaths were caused by the watermelon. We are waiting for the forensic report.” Former local MLA Waris Pathan demanded an investigation, writing on X: “I have received several calls from people expressing shock. How can such deaths occur? We are waiting for the post-mortem report. Whether it happened due to watermelon or some other reason must be investigated. The government should release information so people can remain cautious.” What could be the possible reasons behind four deaths within 24 hours? Three possibilities are being considered. Experts have weighed in: First possibility: Food poisoning or diarrhoea from stale or spoiled watermelon If food is spoiled, bacteria can grow in it. Such food can damage the intestines and affect digestion and organs like the liver. However, it is unlikely that such bacterial infections alone would cause death of all individuals within a few hours. Second possibility: Toxic chemicals in watermelon causing organ failure Sometimes chemicals are injected into fruits like watermelon to enhance colour and sweetness. For example, erythrosine (a red dye) may be injected to make the pulp appear deep red. Methanil yellow is another such chemical. Dr Abrar Multani also suggests that poisoning from chemicals is the most probable cause. Third possibility: Food poisoning due to eating watermelon with rice It is often said that fruits should not be eaten with grains like rice because digestion may be affected. Dr Abrar adds that Ayurveda mentions certain incompatible food combinations (Viruddha Aahar). Eating watermelon or muskmelon with meals may cause indigestion, but there is no evidence linking it to serious harm when eaten with grains. Which food combinations should be avoided? According to Dr Abrar, Ayurveda describes certain incompatible food combinations called ‘Viruddha Aahar’. Such combinations may disturb the balance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha in the body, leading over time to health issues. Regular consumption may cause indigestion, gas, acidity, skin disorders, blemishes, pimples, hair fall, joint pain, obesity or weakness.
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