The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is encountering significant delays in testing food samples related to four deaths potentially linked to contaminated watermelon. Investigators have hit a new obstacle: random sampling has been hampered by the complete disappearance of watermelons from local markets.
Testing Delays and Market Disappearance
Results for items seized from the Dakodia family's residence in Bhendi Bazaar—including watermelon, raw rice, pulao-biryani, half-eaten dates, and water mixed with a cinnamon-like powder—were expected on Wednesday. However, officials now indicate that the reports could take another couple of days.
An FDA food department official explained, 'As a precautionary public measure, we need to test watermelons within a five- to ten-kilometer radius of the incident. But from Wadala to Byculla, there isn't a watermelon to be found to proceed with the investigation.' For the probe, FDA officials require 500 grams of watermelon, divided into four parts from different areas near the incident site.
Police Awaiting Results
Police officials stated they are awaiting both FDA and forensic results to advance their investigation. The deceased have been identified as Abdulla Dakodia, 44, who owned a mobile phone accessories shop in Andheri; his wife Nasreen, 35; and their daughters Ayesha, 16, and Zainab, 12.
Ali Ahmed Querishi of the Null Bazar Fruit and Vegetable Market Association noted that vendors are reluctant to stock watermelons. 'Traders do not want to cause panic among people, as it results in financial loss for them. Moreover, at the moment, police are also questioning the sellers,' he said.
Rumors and Clarifications
On Tuesday, rumors circulated that more residents had been admitted to J J Hospital due to watermelon-linked poisoning. The hospital promptly clarified that there were no such admissions.
