A family of three of Indian origin who died after falling from a high-rise residential tower in south London have been identified as Aditi Vijay Paralkar, 46, her husband Rakesh Narayan Pai, 47, and their nine-year-old son Sid Pai Paralkar.
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Emergency services were called to Churchyard Row in Elephant and Castle at around 7.30am on 27 May following reports that three people had fallen from a height. Officers from the Metropolitan Police, alongside the London Ambulance Service, London’s Air Ambulance and the London Fire Brigade, attended the scene.
According to reports, the family fell from the balcony of their 36th-floor apartment in the 45-storey Highpoint tower block, around 400ft above ground. While the circumstances remain under investigation, the Daily Mail reported that the tragedy is being examined as a suspected murder-suicide.
The newspaper reported that the couple, who had moved to London in the early 2000s and later ran their own consultancy business, had been under significant strain due to their son’s serious health conditions. Friends told the publication that Sid, who was born in the UK, was unable to speak, had learning difficulties, partial disabilities and suffered from kidney disease.
Friends also told the Daily Mail that Aditi had struggled with depression and other mental health challenges linked to the pressures of caring for Sid. One friend said: “It was a huge stress for both of them but Adi in particular struggled to cope with what was going on.”
Another friend questioned suggestions of a suicide pact, saying: “None of this makes sense to us because while it was obvious that Adi was struggling, Robin was the composed one of the two.”
The Metropolitan Police have stressed that inquiries remain ongoing. Acting Detective Superintendent Dan Whitten said: “Our thoughts remain with Aditi, Rakesh and Sid's family and loved ones while we work at pace to establish the facts surrounding these tragic deaths.
“We are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances and would encourage members of the public and the press to refrain from speculation.”
