An Indian-origin couple and their nine-year-old son died after falling from the balcony of their 36th-floor apartment in a luxury residential tower in south London, in a tragedy that police are investigating as an “unexpected” death.

The incident took place on May 27 at the Highpoint tower in Elephant and Castle, a 46-storey residential building. However, details of the case only came into wider public view in recent days.

Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service, London’s Air Ambulance, the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police, were called to Churchyard Row at around 7.30am following reports that three people had fallen from a height.

Despite efforts by paramedics to revive them, Rakesh Pai, 47, his wife Aditi Paralkar, 46, and their son Sid, 9, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have not disclosed the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths and investigations remain ongoing.

According to British media reports, the family fell from the balcony of their apartment located around 400 feet above ground level. The Daily Mail reported that investigators are examining the incident as a suspected murder-suicide, although police have not publicly confirmed that assessment.

The Metropolitan Police have described the deaths as unexpected and said enquiries are continuing.

Child’s Illness May Have Been A Factor

Local MP Neil Coyle said police believe the child’s serious health condition may have been a contributing factor.

In a letter to residents of the building, Coyle described the incident as a “terrible tragedy” and said police had inferred that the boy’s severe illness may have influenced what he called a “horrendous decision”.

“The suggestion was that the child was born in the UK with severe illnesses,” he wrote, adding that several local residents witnessed the incident.

Family Sought Treatment In India

Known to friends as Adi and Robin, the couple worked in finance and construction consulting, according to reports.

The family is said to have travelled to India in 2020 in search of treatment for Sid’s medical condition. After several years, they returned to the United Kingdom in 2025 when his condition reportedly failed to improve.

Friends and neighbours have expressed shock at the deaths, describing the family as private and devoted to caring for their son.

Community Left Stunned

The tragedy has deeply affected residents of the apartment complex and the wider local community.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and have appealed for anyone with relevant information to come forward.

No further details have been released.

(with inputs from agencies)