An inquest has heard that a mother, father, and their nine-year-old son died after falling from a south London tower block onto another building. Aditi Vijay Paralkar, 46, a real estate property developer, Rakesh Narayan Pai, 47, and their son Sid Rene Pai-Paralkar fell from the Uncle residential tower on Churchyard Row in Elephant and Castle on May 27.
Emergency Response and Identification
Detective Sergeant Simon Monga, of the Metropolitan Police, told London Inner South Coroner's Court the family "fell from height on to another building," with their bodies later recovered by the London Fire Brigade. Emergency services were called at 7:29 a.m. following reports that three people had fallen from a height. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
Assistant coroner Michelle Haste said Mr. Pai was pronounced dead at 7:43 a.m., followed by Ms. Paralkar at 8:05 a.m. and Sid at 8:06 a.m. The family's passports, found at their flat, were used to formally identify them.
Ongoing Investigation
Mr. Monga told the hearing the investigation remains ongoing while officers await the results of pathology and forensic examinations and continue reviewing evidence to establish what happened. He said it would take "at least six months" for a paediatric pathologist to complete a report into Sid's death. The inquest was adjourned until the police investigation has concluded.
Ms. Haste stated: "I am very content to allow the police to have plenty of time to continue their investigation into these very tragic deaths."
Family Background
Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Neil Coyle previously told residents police were not seeking anyone else in connection with the deaths while investigations continued. Speaking to The Sun, Mr. Coyle said the couple had been living on the 36th floor of the 45-storey tower block with their son. He said the family had moved to the UK and that Sid had severe health problems.
Mr. Coyle said: "It's a terrible tragedy, a family of three. Just awful. Some constituents saw it happen. The suggestion was that the child was born in the UK with severe illnesses, which the police inferred contributed to their horrendous decision." He said Sid had kidney disease and was home schooled.
Police Statement
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police previously said: "Detectives are investigating after three people died following a fall from height. At 7:29 a.m. officers, the London Ambulance Service, London’s Air Ambulance and the London Fire Brigade attended a high-rise block of flats on Churchyard Row, Elephant and Castle, following reports that people had fallen from height. At the scene, three people – a man, a woman and a child – were found to have sadly died, despite resuscitation attempts by first responders. Their deaths are currently being treated as unexpected. There were no other reported injuries. Work is underway to formally identify those who died. Their next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers."
