Actors Malaika and Amrita Arora’s stepfather died on Wednesday morning after a fall from the terrace of a building in Mumbai.
Mehta (62) jumped off the sixth floor of the building, Ayesha Manor, in upscale Bandra's Almeida Park area, where he stayed with his wife, at around 9 am, a police official said, adding Malaika Arora was in Pune at the time of the incident.
A Bandra police team rushed to the spot and shifted him to a hospital, where he was declared dead before arrival, a police official said.
News agency ANI broke the news, tweeting, “Father of actress-model Malaika Arora died by suicide by jumping off a terrace. Police team is present at the spot.”
Malaika Arora's mother was in her 6th floor flat in the building when Mehta jumped to his death, he said, adding the exact reason why he took the step was not yet known, PTI reported.
According to him, Mehta was the stepfather of the Bollywood actor.
Speaking to media persons Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 9) Raj Tilak Roushan said prima facie it appears to be a suicide case.
A Bandra police team along with forensic experts was at the spot, he said.
"Police will investigate the incident from all angles and take forward legal process. Whatever standard operating procedure (SOP) is followed in investigations, we are doing that," said the DCP Roushan.
Police were also recording statements of Mehta's relatives and the building residents as part of the probe, said another official.
They conducted a 'panchnama' (inspection) of the spot and were collecting evidence. They also video recorded the building premises, where the body was found, and examined CCTV footage, the official said.
An autopsy of the body was underway at a hospital.
In a social media post later, Malaika Arora said "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear father, Anil Mehta. He was a gentle soul, a devoted grandfather, a loving husband, and our best friend."
The family also requested for privacy from the media and well-wishers.
After getting information about the incident, Malaika Arora's former husband Arbaaz Khan, who is also an actor and producer, visited the building where Mehta stayed.
Arbaaz Khan's parents Salim and Salma Khan, brother Sohail, Malaika Arora's son Arhaan Khan, her friend actor Arjun Kapoor and producer Ritesh Sidhwani visited the residence of Malaika's mother after the news of Mehta's death came in.
It just takes a call to save a life. Suicides are preventable, call AASRA at 91-9820466726, Jeevan Aastha at 18002333330, and One Life Foundation 7893078930 for help.
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