A family who fell to their deaths from a luxury block of flats in Elephant and Castle were reportedly struggling with their son's terminal health condition, according to sources. Rakesh Pai, 47, Aditi Paralkar, 46, and their son, Sid, fell 400 feet from the balcony of their 36th-floor apartment in the UNCLE tower block in south London on the morning of May 27. Emergency services arrived at the scene after reports that three people had fallen from a height, and all three were pronounced dead at the scene.
Background of the family
Mr. Pai and Ms. Paralkar were high-earning consultants who had moved to the UK from India in the early 2000s, where they had no family. Sid, who was born in the UK, had been diagnosed with a condition that left him partially disabled with special educational needs. He also suffered from kidney disease and was unable to speak, which meant he had to be homeschooled, primarily by Ms. Paralkar. Friends of the couple told the Daily Mail that the mother suffered from depression and other mental health issues as a result of her son's ill health.
Struggles and return to India
Some reports suggest the incident occurred after Sid was discharged from hospital and refused specialist medical care. The family moved back to India for around six years, hoping to access specialist care for their son and to lean on friends and family Ms. Paralkar still had in Mumbai. However, after doctors were unable to help him, the couple returned to the UK. A friend said: 'It was a huge stress for both of them, but Adi in particular struggled to cope. 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 response
The couple had only lived in Elephant and Castle for a short time, previously owning a flat in Clapham. The circumstances surrounding their deaths are yet to be established and will be determined in an inquest. On the day of the incident, a resident who lives at the top of the building reported hearing 'shouting and screaming' consistently for two weeks prior. Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Neil Coyle wrote to residents, expressing sorrow and noting that police believe it was suicide, though investigations are ongoing. The Metropolitan Police said the deaths are being treated as 'unexpected' and have been referred to Southwark Coroners Court.
