Mumbai: No signs of adulteration have been detected in food samples collected from the residence of a four-member family who died under suspicious circumstances in Mumbai’s Pydhonie area after consuming watermelon and biryani, officials said on Saturday, even as investigators await key toxicology findings to determine the exact cause of death.

The deceased include a 40-year-old man, his 35-year-old wife, and their two daughters aged 16 and 13. The family was admitted to hospital on April 26 after the father reported a sudden deterioration in health following a meal that reportedly included watermelon and biryani. All four members later died despite treatment.

Preliminary findings from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have ruled out food contamination or adulteration. Officials said 11 samples collected from the household—including cooked and raw rice, chicken, spices, watermelon, dates, and water stored in both earthen pots and a refrigerator—showed no harmful substances.

However, the investigation has taken a complex turn following post-mortem findings that indicated the presence of morphine, a pain-relieving drug, in the bodies. Medical reports also noted unusual green discolouration in certain internal tissues, which officials said could be linked to exposure to toxic substances, though this has not been confirmed.

Forensic experts from the Kalina Forensic Science Laboratory have reported detecting unidentified foreign particles in viscera samples. Authorities clarified that it is not yet known whether these substances are toxic, medicinal, or of another origin. Detailed chemical analysis is ongoing.

Mumbai Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and are investigating all possible angles. Officials said no evidence of financial irregularities, disputes, or external conflict has been found so far. Digital records and call data are also being examined, though no conclusive leads have emerged.

Investigators from JJ Hospital, the FDA, and forensic laboratories are coordinating to establish whether poisoning, medical causes, or any other factor led to the deaths. Police officials said the toxicology report will be crucial in determining whether any poison was ingested and the timing of exposure.

The case remains under active investigation.

With IANS inputs