An 80-year-old Parsi priest, residing in south Mumbai’s Dhobi Talao area, allegedly committed suicide by jumping off the balcony of his fourth floor flat at Trinity Apartments. The incident occurred on Wednesday around 4pm.
Published in Times of India
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the deceased, Manik Jamshedji Bharda, lived alone and was taken care of by his neighbours. The police said that Bharda was undergoing treatment for cancer.
The deceased leaped off his balcony and landed on the street below that was bustling with vendors and customers. Bharda was rushed to GT Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
"Due to his age and ailments, Bharda had problems performing simple tasks like eating. Due to his medical condition, he would keep vomiting. Since he lived alone, he depended on his neighbours for most of his work," said Deepak Dhole, senior inspector at the Azad Maidan police station. Bharda had also been advised not to take the stairs too often.
The police said that on the day of the incident, Bharda had lunch that was provided by his neighbours. The police have not found a suicide note.
The deceased’s younger brother, who lives in Palghar, has been informed. "We have recorded the statements of the neighbours and do not suspect foul play. An autopsy was done and Bharda’s body has been handed over to his brother," said Dhole, adding that Bharda’s last rites were performed on Thursday.