Inquest Opens Into Deaths Of Indian-Origin Family After Fall From London High-Rise
Inquest Opens Into Deaths Of Indian-Origin Family After Fall From London High-Rise Published By, Last Updated: July 09, 2026, 23:27 IST An inquest in England
Inquest Opens Into Deaths Of Indian-Origin Family After Fall From London High-Rise Published By, Last Updated: July 09, 2026, 23:27 IST An inquest in England is a fact-finding hearing held after sudden or unexplained deaths to establish the circumstances surrounding a death. It is not a criminal trial. Residential high-rises in London. (AFP file photo) An inquest has opened into the deaths of an Indian-origin family of three who fell from a high-rise residential building in south London in May, as the Metropolitan Police continue their investigation into the tragedy. Aditi Vijay Paralkar, 46, Rakesh Narayan Pai, 47, and their nine-year-old son, Sid Rene Pai-Paralkar, died after falling from the 36th floor of a residential tower in the Elephant and Castle area on May 27.
Police believe the case was a suspected suicide, but investigations are still ongoing. Current Development The inquest opened this week at the London Inner South Coroner’s Court. Assistant Coroner Michelle Haste said she was willing to give police more time to complete their investigation into the “very tragic deaths". The court heard that all three family members were pronounced dead at the scene. Paralkar and Pai died from multiple injuries. The cause of death of their son has not yet been confirmed. Metropolitan Police Detective Sergeant Simon Monga told the hearing that officers are still waiting for pathology and forensic examination reports while continuing to review evidence. He said it would take at least six months for a paediatric pathologist to complete a report into Sid’s death.
The coroner has adjourned the inquest until the police investigation is completed. An inquest in England is a fact-finding hearing held after sudden or unexplained deaths to establish the circumstances surrounding a death. It is not a criminal trial. The Fatal Fall According to reports, the family fell from the 36th floor onto another building before their bodies were recovered by the London Fire Brigade. The parents reportedly worked as consultants and had spent several years caring for their son, who suffered from a kidney disease. Reports said the family had returned to India around six years ago to seek specialist treatment for their son. They later moved back to the UK after doctors were unable to improve his condition. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.
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