Four members of a family, including a couple and their two teenage daughters, died in Mumbai’s Pydhonie area in a suspected case of food poisoning, police said.

The victims — a 40-year-old man, his 35-year-old wife, and their daughters aged 16 and 13 — reportedly fell ill within hours of consuming food at home.

Sequence of events

According to officials, the family had hosted relatives for dinner on the night of April 25. Around nine people ate together during the gathering.

Later that night, after the guests had left, the four family members consumed watermelon.

By early morning on April 26, all four developed severe symptoms, including vomiting and other signs of illness, prompting their hospitalisation. Despite medical efforts, they could not be saved.

Suspicion on watermelon

Initial findings suggest that the watermelon consumed later in the night could be linked to the suspected food poisoning, as other relatives who shared the earlier meal reportedly did not fall ill.

Authorities have registered an accidental death case and launched an investigation. Food samples and biological specimens have been collected for forensic testing to determine the exact cause of death.

Investigation underway

Police said the exact reason behind the deaths will only be confirmed after post-mortem and laboratory reports are completed.

Experts note that while food poisoning is usually treatable, severe cases can turn fatal if caused by high levels of contamination or toxins.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed strong confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will form the next government in West Bengal after the ongoing Assembly elections, stating that he plans to return for the oath-taking ceremony.

Addressing a rally during the final phase of campaigning, the Prime Minister said he would come back to the state after the declaration of results to attend the swearing-in of the BJP government.

Confidence ahead of results

The remarks came during his last campaign event, where he indicated optimism about the party’s electoral performance. The results of the West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled to be announced on May 4.

He told the gathering that the enthusiasm and public support witnessed during his campaign tours had strengthened his belief that the BJP would secure a mandate in the state.

Campaign concludes amid high political stakes

The Prime Minister’s statement underscores the high-stakes political battle in West Bengal, where the BJP is aiming to challenge the ruling Trinamool Congress. The election has seen intense campaigning from all major parties, with voter turnout remaining high in earlier phases.

The West Bengal Assembly elections are being held in multiple phases, with counting set to determine the next government in the state.

Raghav Chadha has defended his decision to leave the Aam Aadmi Party and join the Bharatiya Janata Party, stating that a “toxic work environment” within his former party forced him to take the step.

In a video shared on Instagram, the Rajya Sabha MP addressed criticism over his political switch and said the internal atmosphere in AAP had deteriorated significantly over time.

‘Stopped from working and speaking’

Chadha claimed that he and others were unable to function effectively within the party, alleging that leaders were restricted from expressing themselves or carrying out their responsibilities.

He said the environment had become increasingly difficult, adding that it was no longer possible for him to contribute meaningfully under such conditions.

Decision after years of association

The politician, who had been associated with AAP since its early days, said he had devoted a significant part of his life to the party but felt it had changed over the years. Reports indicate he highlighted that the organisation was not the same as when he joined it.

Chadha also suggested that his decision was not impulsive but taken after careful consideration of available options, including staying back or leaving politics altogether.

Response to backlash

The move has triggered strong reactions from political circles and supporters, with criticism emerging over his switch to the BJP. However, Chadha defended his choice, pointing to internal challenges and a lack of space to work within AAP.

He further argued that multiple leaders leaving the party should prompt reflection, questioning whether all of them could be wrong.

Political impact

Chadha’s exit is part of a larger development where several AAP leaders have shifted to the BJP, significantly altering the party’s strength in the Rajya Sabha.

The development has intensified political tensions between the two parties, with AAP criticising the defections and BJP welcoming the new entrants.