Midnight meal turns deadly: Mumbai family of four dies within hours, food poisoning suspected

The deaths, spanning barely half a day, have sent shockwaves through the city and triggered a multi-agency investigation into what the family consumed that night.

Abdullah Abdul Kadar, a 40-year-old trader who ran a mobile accessories shop, along with his wife Nasreen (35) and daughters Ayesha (16) and Zainab (13), had attended a late-night family gathering on Saturday where biryani was served.

After returning to their home in Pydhonie, the family reportedly ate watermelon around 1 am.

Symptoms strike before dawn

Within hours, at around 5 am on Sunday, all four began experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea.

A local doctor, Dr Ziad Qureshi, who initially treated them, said the family was already in a critical state and appeared extremely exhausted. As their condition worsened rapidly, they were rushed to JJ Hospital for emergency treatment.

Four deaths in 12 hours

Despite medical efforts, the family could not be saved. Thirteen-year-old Zainab died around 10:15 am, followed by her mother Nasreen and elder sister Ayesha, who also failed to respond to treatment.

Abdullah Abdul Kadar succumbed later that night around 10:30 pm. The deaths, occurring within a span of roughly 12 hours, have shocked the city.

Probe into suspected food poisoning

Police suspect food poisoning as the likely cause and have registered a case of accidental death. Investigators have collected a half-eaten piece of watermelon from the house and sent it for laboratory testing.

Officials are examining whether the fruit may have been contaminated or contained any toxic substance.

Multi-agency investigation underway

Authorities, including the state Food and Drug Administration and forensic teams, are working to determine the exact cause of death.

Samples collected during post-mortem examinations have been sent for detailed analysis.

The microbiology department is testing for bacterial infections, while histopathology examinations of tissue samples are also underway. Officials say a final conclusion will be drawn once all reports are received.