A major investigation is underway in south London after a mother, father and their nine-year-old son were found dead following a fall from a luxury high-rise apartment in what police are treating as an “unexpected” death.

Rakesh Pai, 47, his wife Aditi Paralkar, 46, and their son Sid died after falling approximately 400ft from the balcony of their 36th-floor apartment at the 45-storey Highpoint tower block in Elephant and Castle on the morning of May 27.

The couple, originally from India, were highly educated professionals who worked as consultants in the UK. Rakesh, also known as Robin, specialised in finance and had worked with major banks including Barclays, Santander and Deutsche Bank, while Aditi held senior roles in the construction industry, including major infrastructure projects.

The family’s only child, Sid, was born in the UK and suffered from severe health complications. He was unable to speak, partially disabled, had learning difficulties and was also affected by kidney disease. He required home schooling, with his mother taking on most of his care and education.

Reports suggest the tragedy occurred shortly after Sid was discharged from hospital following medical treatment, a development said to have deeply affected the family. However, the exact circumstances remain unclear and will be determined at an inquest, with no date yet set.

Friends described Aditi as struggling with depression and mental health challenges linked to her son’s condition, while also managing a demanding professional life without close family support in the UK.

The couple had previously moved to India around six years ago to seek specialist medical care for Sid and to be closer to Aditi’s family in Mumbai. They later returned to the UK last year after treatment reportedly did not improve the child’s condition.

Despite the tragedy, colleagues and friends remembered the couple as successful and well-respected professionals. Rakesh was described as a “people’s person” who also volunteered with charities supporting dementia and visual impairment, while Aditi was described as “loyal, hardworking and a pleasure to be around”.

The couple lived in a high-end rental apartment in the UNCLE Elephant and Castle development, where rent reportedly reaches up to £3,800 per month. The building features luxury amenities including a sky lounge, gym, co-working spaces and views across London.

Residents reported distressing scenes on the morning of the incident, with emergency services including police, ambulance crews and the London Fire Brigade attending the scene. Attempts to resuscitate the family were unsuccessful.

Some residents also claimed they had heard shouting and disturbances coming from the apartment in the weeks leading up to the tragedy, although these reports remain unverified.

Local MP Neil Coyle said the incident had deeply affected the community, adding that residents were left in shock and calling for support for those who witnessed the events.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed the deaths are being treated as unexpected, and investigations are ongoing. Southwark Coroner’s Court has also confirmed the case has been referred for further examination.

The luxury development, rebranded in 2018, is home to hundreds of apartments mainly occupied by international students and young professionals, and is known for its high-end facilities and premium rents.

As the investigation continues, friends and residents say the community remains in shock, struggling to understand how such a tragedy could have occurred.