Investigations into the deaths of four members of a family in Mumbai have ruled out initial suspicions of food adulteration, with officials now focusing on possible bacterial contamination or toxic substances.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), laboratory tests on food samples collected from the Dokadia household found no evidence of additives such as artificial sweeteners or synthetic colouring. This includes the watermelon that was initially suspected to be linked to the deaths.
However, officials cautioned that the findings are limited. The tests conducted were designed to detect adulteration and confirm whether food items matched their expected composition. They did not include bacterial analysis, meaning microbial contamination cannot be ruled out. The presence of toxins—either naturally occurring or deliberately introduced—also remains a possibility.
“All samples tested so far were of standard quality,” officials said, noting that while the watermelon showed no traces of artificial enhancement, further investigation is needed. Results from the water sample were inconclusive, and dates could not be tested due to insufficient quantity. A meat sample has been sent to BMC laboratories for protein analysis.
The case has now shifted to forensic examination. Samples have been divided between FDA authorities and forensic teams, who will test for toxins produced by microorganisms as well as other poisonous substances. Experts say findings will be cross-checked against a comprehensive database of known poisons.
The incident involved four members of the Dokadia family from Bhendi Bazaar—Abdulla Dokadia (44), his wife Nasreen (35), and their daughters Ayesha (16) and Zainab (12)—who died within hours of a late-night meal. Investigators are examining whether a watermelon consumed around 1 am on Sunday played a role.
Other items collected for testing include half-eaten dates, water mixed with a cinnamon-like substance, pulao-biryani, raw rice, and spices. Viscera and stomach wash samples have been sent to a forensic laboratory in Kalina for detailed analysis.
Authorities say only the forensic results will provide clarity on the exact cause of death, as the investigation continues to explore all possible angles, including bacterial toxins and poisoning.
