A family of three fell 400 feet to their deaths from a luxury London tower block in a suspected murder-suicide after their terminally ill son was discharged from hospital and sent home to die. Rakesh Pai, 47, his wife Aditi Paralkar, 46, and their nine-year-old son Sid fell from the balcony of their 36th-floor apartment in the 45-storey Highpoint tower block in Elephant and Castle, south London, on the morning of May 27.
Background of the family
The couple, originally from India and with no family in the UK, both worked as consultants. Friends said Aditi, known as Adi, had struggled with depression and other mental health issues linked to Sid’s condition. Sid, who was born in the UK, was unable to speak, was partially handicapped, and suffered from learning difficulties and kidney disease. He was homeschooled, with Aditi taking on most of the responsibility for his education.
Medical and emotional struggles
According to some reports, the tragedy occurred after Sid, the couple’s only child, was denied further medical treatment and discharged from hospital, leaving his parents devastated. Friends said the family moved to India around six years ago to seek specialist treatment for Sid and to allow Aditi to receive support from relatives and friends in Mumbai. They are believed to have returned to Britain last year after doctors were unable to improve his condition.
One friend said: “It was a huge stress for both of them but Adi in particular struggled to cope with what was going on. She had no family in the UK and also did a very demanding job, so it was very difficult for her to manage everything. It took a huge toll on her mental health, and I think it may have just got too much for her. They were a wonderful family, and we are all very shocked by what’s happened.”
Investigation and community reaction
The exact circumstances of the deaths will be determined at an inquest, although no date has been set. Friends questioned suggestions of a suicide pact. One said: “None of this makes sense to us because while it was obvious that Adi was struggling, Robin was the composed one of the two. He was actually handling things quite well given Sid’s illness and the pressure they were all under. Hopefully the inquest will get to the bottom of what happened because at the moment, none of us have got a clue.”
The couple had moved to London in the early 2000s after attending top universities in India. They ran their own consultancy business and were temporarily living in the high-rise development while planning to combine two flats they owned in Clapham into a family home. Neighbours described them as a popular and well-liked couple. One resident said: “They were a lovely couple, and everybody really liked them. They had no family in the UK so having good friends was very important to them and that’s why they wanted to return to live in Clapham.”
Professional lives
Colleagues described Rakesh as a “people’s person” who volunteered with charities supporting people with dementia and visual impairments. Aditi, a construction consultant, was described by a former boss as “loyal and hardworking” and a “pleasure” to be around.
Emergency response
Emergency services were called to the block on Churchyard Row at 7.29am. Police, paramedics and firefighters attempted to resuscitate the family but all three were pronounced dead at the scene. The Metropolitan Police said the deaths were being treated as “unexpected”. A spokesperson said detectives were investigating and that the family’s next of kin were being supported by specialist officers. Southwark Coroners Court confirmed the deaths had been referred to the office.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
