A heartbreaking incident in Mumbai’s Pydhonie area has left people shaken. Four members of the Dokadia family reportedly died after eating watermelon late at night, and ever since, a simple summer fruit has suddenly become a source of fear and suspicion.
Panic Spreads on Social Media
Right in the middle of this panic, a video started doing the rounds online. Marathi actor Shashank Ketkar, along with a political leader, shared a clip showing a freshly cut watermelon fizzing and bubbling. That was enough to send social media into overdrive. People began wondering—is this what we’ve been eating all summer?
The Science Behind the Fizz
But here’s the thing: the reality isn’t as dramatic (or as scary) as it’s being made out to be. Those bubbles you sometimes see in a watermelon? In most cases, it’s not chemicals - it’s fermentation. Basically, when bacteria or yeast get into the fruit, they start breaking down its natural sugars. This process creates carbon dioxide gas - the same stuff that gives soda or beer its fizz. Since the watermelon is closed from the outside, that gas builds up inside. So when you cut it open, you might see bubbles, foam, or even hear a slight fizz.
And yes, Indian summers make this worse. The heat speeds everything up. Watermelons often travel long distances before reaching your kitchen, and without proper cooling, they can start spoiling from the inside pretty quickly.
The Chemical Injection Myth
Now, what about all those claims of “chemical injection”? That rumour pops up almost every year. But according to food experts, there’s no solid proof that this is happening on a large scale. Most of the time, a weird-looking or fizzy watermelon is simply overripe or starting to rot - not tampered with.
How to Choose a Safe Watermelon
So how do you avoid picking a bad one? At the market, look for a creamy yellow patch on the watermelon - that’s a sign it ripened properly on the ground. If it’s pale or white, it might not be ready. Also, pick the heavier one if you’re comparing two - it usually means it’s juicier. And give it a light tap; a deep, hollow sound is what you want.
Once you cut it open, trust your senses. If it smells off - sour, alcoholic, or just strange - don’t risk it. The texture is another giveaway. If it feels mushy, sticky, or looks foamy, it’s already on its way out. And if you actually see bubbles or fizz? Best to throw it away.
Ongoing Investigation
One important point here: in the Mumbai case, it’s still not clear what exactly caused the tragedy. Early reports suggest it may not be as simple as spoiled fruit. Investigations are ongoing, and more details are awaited.
Until then, there’s no need to panic—but a little caution helps. Buy smart, store your fruit in the fridge, and if something feels off, don’t second-guess it. Better safe than sorry.
