A harrowing incident in Mumbai's Paydhuni area has left a family of four dead, prompting a police investigation into the mysterious circumstances surrounding their sudden demise. Abdullah Dokadia, 40, his wife Nasreen, 35, and their daughters Ayesha, 16, and Zainab, 13, were all found dead in their home within hours of each other on April 25.
Timeline of a Tragic Evening
According to preliminary police reports, the family had hosted relatives for dinner on a Saturday evening. After sharing biryani, the guests departed around 10:30 PM. The Dokadia family then reportedly consumed watermelon around 1:00 AM. By early morning, between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM, all four family members began experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting and loose motions, which rapidly worsened.
Police Investigation Underway
Deputy Commissioner of Police Pravin Munde confirmed that an unnatural death report has been registered at JJ Marg police station. "Four members of a Muslim family, husband, wife and their two daughters, have died," Munde stated. He reiterated the timeline, noting the consumption of watermelon late at night before the onset of symptoms.
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation, registering a case of accidental death. Forensic and biological samples have been collected during postmortem examinations, and police are awaiting these reports to establish a definitive cause of death. While suspected food poisoning is a primary line of inquiry, other possibilities have not been ruled out.
Neighbour's Grim Discovery and Medical Efforts
A doctor residing in the same building was alerted to the family's distress. Upon entering their second-floor flat, he found the family in a drowsy state, with one of the daughters gasping for breath and without a pulse. The doctor immediately initiated CPR and arranged for their urgent transfer to a nearby hospital. Despite rapid medical intervention and subsequent referral to JJ Hospital, all four family members tragically succumbed during treatment.
Political Reaction and Calls for Transparency
The incident has drawn attention from political figures, including Waris Pathan, national spokesperson for the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen. Pathan described the deaths as "extremely tragic, serious and heart-wrenching" and called upon the government to conduct a thorough investigation, determine the true cause of death, and make the findings public.
The Mumbai police continue their diligent work, piecing together the events of that fateful night to provide answers to a shocked community.