Watermelon Prices Drop in Navi Mumbai After Family’s Suspected Food Poisoning Death Sparks Panic
Navi Mumbai: Watermelon prices at Navi Mumbai’s APMC market have fallen sharply after panic spread following the death of four members of a Mumbai family in a suspected food poisoning case, traders said.
The fruit, which usually sees strong demand during the summer season, is now being sold at wholesale rates as low as ₹5 to ₹7 per kilogram, compared to its usual ₹10 to ₹35 per kilogram. Retail prices, which generally range between ₹30 and ₹100 per kilogram, have also been affected as buyers remain cautious.
Traders at the APMC market, one of Asia’s largest wholesale agricultural hubs, said the sudden drop in demand has resulted in major financial losses.
The panic follows the deaths of a family of four from Mumbai’s Pydhonie area after they allegedly consumed watermelon and other food items at a family gathering last week.
The deceased have been identified as Abdullah Dokadia (40), his wife Nasreen (35), and their daughters Ayesha (16) and Zaineb (13). According to police, the family consumed food, including chicken pulao and watermelon, at their residence on Saturday night before suffering severe vomiting and diarrhoea. All four later died.
Police and forensic teams have collected samples of food and water from the residence, including watermelon, biryani, cooked and raw chicken, rice, spices, dates, and drinking water, which have been sent for laboratory analysis.
Preliminary post-mortem findings have indicated suspected food poisoning as the cause of death. However, officials are also probing other possible angles, including financial stress and whether there was any other factor involved.
Statements of five guests who attended the gathering have also been recorded. According to investigators, the guests consumed the same food but did not report any symptoms.
Authorities are awaiting final forensic and food analysis reports to determine the exact cause of the deaths.
