By Dharmesh Prajapati

An Indian family of 3 is making headlines after all members tragically died following a fatal fall from 36th-floor apartment of London’s luxury high rise building. All the members of the family, including a middle-aged couple and their terminally ill son, ended their life by plunging 400ft from the Highpoint tower block in Elephant and Castle on the morning of 27 May. The deceased, identified as Aditi Paralkar (46), Rakesh Pai (47) and Sid (9), were found dead in the courtyard of their luxury tower block.

According to Daily Mail report, this incident relates to a suspected murder-suicide case. The duo, who worked as consultants, returned to the UK last year after doctors in India failed to make any improvement with their son’s condition. While Rakesh specialized in finance, Aditi held several senior roles in the construction industry.

A close look at the couple’s profession life

“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,” the publication quoted a friend of the couple as saying.

The close acquaintance added, “It took a huge toll on her mental health, and I think it may have just got too much for her.” According to another source, it was evident that Aditi was “struggling” because of their son’s illness, but Rakesh was handling the pressure in a much more composed manner. During the two weeks before the tragic fall, neighbours reported that they heard sounds of shouting and screaming.

A witness and resident of the building said, ‘I heard shouting and screaming for the past two weeks. It has stopped since.”

The two moved to UK, almost 2 decades ago, in the early 2000s after securing degrees from reputed Indian universities. The couple reportedly ran their own consultancy business and lived in the high-end apartment complex where rent costs go as high as £3,800 a month for two-bedroom flat. Featuring premium Siemens appliances, each flat includes a large living, dining and kitchen area, Danish designer furniture and a yellow-tinted private balcony with glass barriers. The 458 opulent apartments of the building house international students from wealthy backgrounds in East Asia and middle-class young professionals.

Described as ‘loyal and hardworking’ person, Aditi worked on major projects in the construction industry including installing cladding at Heathrow while Rakesh worked as a project manager for several renowned banks such as Barclays, Santander and Deutsche Bank. Rakesh a ‘people’s person’ was also involved in social work as confirmed by people familiar with the matter to the news outlet. He joined Alzheimer’s Society charity to help dementia survivors and volunteered at the Thomas Pocklington Trust which supports blind people.

Six years ago, the family left for India, leaving behind their £500,000 flat located on a smart, middle-class road in Clapham, south-west London, to a tenant. Upon their return, they purchased the apartment above it. The report reveals that their stay in Highpoint tower was temporary as the couple had plans to convert their two Clapham flats into a single home.