A couple and their nine-year-old son, who was terminally ill, died almost instantly from multiple injuries after falling 400 feet from their luxury London high-rise apartment, an inquest heard. Rakesh Pai, 47, his wife Aditi Paralkar, 46, and their son Sid fell from the balcony of their 36th-floor apartment at the Highpoint tower in Elephant and Castle on the morning of May 27. The family were pronounced dead within 20 minutes of each other by air ambulance medics.
Detective Sergeant Simon Monga told the inquest that he arrived shortly after the fall and that the three individuals had already died. They were recovered by the fire brigade and were in the process of being taken to the mortuary. The post-mortem examination was inconclusive, and the investigation is awaiting further reports, including toxicology. Assistant Coroner Michelle Haste stated that all three died from “multiple injuries” and that there were reasons to believe the deaths were unnatural.
The couple, originally from India, were both consultants and had no close family in the UK. Friends indicated that Aditi had been struggling with depression and severe stress related to Sid's complex health needs. Sid, who was born in Britain, was homeschooled and had learning difficulties, kidney disease, and was partially handicapped.
Friends suggested the tragedy may have unfolded after Sid was denied treatment and discharged from the hospital, leaving his parents devastated. The family had previously lived in India for about six years seeking specialist medical help for Sid and returned to Britain last year after his condition did not improve. The exact circumstances of the deaths will be determined at the inquest, with some friends questioning the theory of a suicide pact. A friend noted the immense stress on both parents, particularly Aditi, who struggled to cope without family support in the UK and held a demanding job.
Rakesh Pai worked as a project manager for major banks, while Aditi delivered construction projects. The couple had been temporarily staying at Highpoint, where two-bedroom apartments can rent for up to £3,800 a month. They had previously lived in Clapham, South West London, and were planning to convert two flats there into a family home.
Metropolitan Police stated the deaths are being treated as unexpected, with detectives investigating the circumstances. Resuscitation attempts by first responders were unsuccessful. Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Some residents and staff witnessed the fall and have been left traumatized.