A couple and their two daughters from the Pydhonie area lost their lives on April 26 after consuming biryani and watermelon late at night. Post-mortem conducted; forensic samples sent for analysis as police probe the exact cause of death.
In a tragic incident that has shocked Mumbai, four members of the Dokadia family — a husband, wife, and their two school-going daughters — died early on Sunday morning, April 26, in what police are calling a suspected case of food poisoning. The family resided at Ghati Galli in Mughal Building, Pydhonie, in South Mumbai.
The deceased have been identified as Abdullah Dokadia (40), his wife Nasreen Dokadia (35), and their daughters Ayesha (16, a Class 10 student) and Zainab (13, a Class 8 student). The four were reportedly healthy before sitting down to a late dinner with relatives on the night of April 25.
Timeline of events
Nine family members and close relatives gather at the Dokadia home for dinner. Biryani is served and eaten together. Relatives leave after the meal.
Apr 26, 1:00 AM
The four family members eat watermelon as a late-night refreshment, approximately two to three hours after the biryani dinner.
Apr 26, 5:30–6 AM
All four begin experiencing severe vomiting, loose motions, and dizziness. The two daughters are found unconscious. A family doctor is called first.
Apr 26, Morning
Family rushed to a nearby hospital and then referred to JJ Hospital as the condition worsens rapidly despite initial treatment.
Apr 26, 10:15 AM
All four members are declared dead despite intensive medical efforts. Younger daughter Zainab passes first, followed by Nasreen and Ayesha. Abdullah also succumbs.
“An unnatural death report has been registered at JJ Marg police station. Four members of a family — husband, wife, and two daughters — have died. Food samples and body samples have been taken. Further investigation is underway.”
— DCP Pravin Munde, Mumbai Police
Investigation status
Mumbai Police have registered an Accidental Death (AD) case at JJ Marg Police Station. While food poisoning is the primary suspicion, authorities have clarified that the definitive cause of death will only be established after detailed forensic and histopathological reports are received.
What investigators have done so far
Post-mortem examinations were conducted on all four deceased
Food samples collected — including a partially eaten piece of watermelon
Biological samples taken for forensic and laboratory analysis
Histopathological (tissue analysis) reports are awaited to confirm the cause of death
Relatives who attended the dinner are being questioned; they reportedly showed no symptoms
A key detail under scrutiny is that the relatives who shared the biryani dinner did not fall ill, while only the four family members who later ate watermelon died. Investigators are examining whether the biryani was contaminated, whether the watermelon carried bacteria or pesticide residue, or whether the combination of the two foods — eaten hours apart — could have triggered a fatal reaction.
Food safety warning
Protect your family — food safety in summer
Never leave cooked food (especially biryani, rice, meat) unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours
Wash watermelon rind thoroughly before cutting — bacteria from the surface can transfer to the flesh
Avoid eating pre-cut watermelon that has been left out in the summer heat — bacteria multiply rapidly
If experiencing sudden vomiting or diarrhoea, seek hospital care immediately — do not wait
Context
This incident comes as Mumbai and much of Maharashtra grappled with rising summer temperatures in late April 2026. Food poisoning cases typically spike during heatwaves, as high temperatures accelerate bacterial growth in cooked and cut foods — particularly meat dishes and water-rich fruits left unrefrigerated. The Pydhonie area, located in South Mumbai, is a densely populated neighbourhood.
The Dokadia family tragedy has prompted renewed calls from health experts for public awareness around food hygiene during summer months, particularly for households without refrigerators or where food is stored at room temperature overnight.
Food safety in Indian summer: what every family must know this heatwave season.
