Watermelon Is Selling For Rs 5 Per KG. The Reason Will Make You Think Twice Before Buying

Last Updated:April 30, 2026, 10:16 IST

Mumbai Watermelon Deaths Aftermath: Demand for India's most-reached-for summer fruit has fallen nearly 30%, with traders staring at mounting losses.

Watermelon — India’s most-reached-for summer fruit — is now being offloaded at Navi Mumbai’s APMC market for as low as Rs 5 to Rs 7 per kilogram. Its usual wholesale price ranges between Rs 10 and Rs 35 per kilogram, while retail prices generally hover between Rs 30 and Rs 100 per kilogram. Demand has fallen nearly 30%, traders are staring at mounting losses, and unsold stock sits rotting in scorching heat — all because of a single, still-unsolved tragedy in South Mumbai.

On Saturday night, Abdullah Dokadia (40), his wife Nasreen (35) and their daughters Ayesha (16) and Zainab (13) had dinner at their Mughal Building residence in Bhendi Bazaar, where nine people were present. While five visiting relatives remained unaffected, the family consumed leftover watermelon before going to sleep.

By 10:30 am the next morning, all four — hit by severe vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea — were rushed to Sir JJ Hospital. None survived. The deaths, still under investigation, have been provisionally linked to suspected food poisoning — and the watermelon on that table has become the unlikely epicentre of a market collapse.

What Has The Investigation Found So Far?

The FDA collected 11 samples from the residence for laboratory testing — including biryani, watermelon, stored drinking water, rice, chicken, dates and spices.

During post-mortem, a painkiller-like substance was reportedly detected in the bodies of all four, though hospital authorities have not officially confirmed the finding. Police are simultaneously examining financial and mental health angles, and forensic reports are still awaited.

What Are Traders Saying?

A report by Free Press Journal quoted APMC Fruit Market Director Sanjay Pansare as saying that traders strongly refute claims that watermelon alone could have caused the deaths, suggesting the possibility of other contributing factors.

He urged consumers not to believe unverified rumours, noting there have been no similar incidents reported elsewhere.

The fruit is sourced from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat — and growers across all three states are now watching the panic with alarm.

Should You Stop Eating Watermelon?

Not according to doctors or market authorities. Traders emphasised that watermelon is a seasonal summer fruit beneficial for hydration and health. Multiple doctors have separately clarified there is no confirmed link between the fruit and the deaths.

The forensic verdict, when it arrives, will either clear the fruit entirely — or rewrite everything.

Until then, one of summer’s most beloved fruits sits unsold, and an entire supply chain pays the price for a mystery that remains unsolved.

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