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The mysterious deaths of four members of a south Mumbai-based family, initially linked to a watermelon they consumed hours before their deaths on April 26, have become more intriguing after poisoning due to the fruit was ruled out. The police have said that there have been instances where heads of families under stress have killed others and then died by suicide. “In fact, they said that the couple were fun-loving people and took the lead in planning family events,” a police officer said.
The deaths of a couple and their two daughters in Mumbai’s Pydhonie area, reportedly after they ate a watermelon, have sparked panic surrounding the fruit, which is a favourite in Indian summers. The Food Safety Commissioner of Maharashtra has, meanwhile, said pesticide residue cannot lead to such a tragedy. Dube-Patil said the food safety watchdog has collected samples of the watermelon at the family’s Pydhonie home and sent it for testing.
The police said food poisoning is suspected as a possible cause, and that they have sent the watermelon consumed by the family for forensic testing to check for toxins. Rais Shaikh, Senior Inspector, J J Marg Police Station, said they had recorded the statement of Abdullah before he died.
