Malaika Arora’s stepdad fall to death: ‘Security guard heard a loud noise’

Actor Malaika Arora's stepfather Anil Mehta, 62, died after allegedly falling from the balcony of a sixth-floor flat at Ayesha Manor Society in Bandra West on Wednesday morning. The Bandra police, who suspect that Mehta had lost his balance after feeling dizzy, have registered an accidental death report.

The balcony at Ayesha Manor Society from where Mehta is believed to have fallen

Anil Mehta had been living with his wife, Joyce Polycarp, who was in another room when the incident occurred. The Bandra police, who said they had not found a suicide note, conducted the post-mortem at Cooper hospital via videography and photography in the presence of the police surgeon.

The forensic team at the spot where the 62-year-old fell on September 11. Pics/Anurag Ahire

A police officer said, "Mehta had eaten breakfast and removed his slippers before falling from the balcony. A security guard heard a loud noise and found Mehta lying on the ground covered in blood. He immediately informed society members and also called the police."

Actor Malaika Arora arrives at her mother's residence following the demise of her stepfather. Pic/PTI; (right) Anil Mehta, the stepfather of Malaika and Amrita Arora

The cops rushed Mehta to Bhabha hospital in Bandra West where he was declared dead before admission. After the incident, Arora's ex-husband Arbaaz Khan was spotted outside the society and was seen helping the family.

Helen was among the many from the industry who visited Ayesha Manor Society in Bandra West

A police officer said, "Prima facie, we didn't find anything suspicious. Mehta fell from the sixth floor, but we are not sure whether he jumped or accidentally fell. We only have CCTV footage of the ground floor."

Salim and Sohail Khan after paying their respects

Addressing the media, DCP Raj Tilak Roushan said, "A detailed investigation is taking place. The Bandra police and a forensic team are at the spot. We will investigate every angle."

Stars offer condolences

Industry people like Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Seema Khan, Alvira Agnihotri, Arbaaz Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Helen Khan, Sohail Khan, Salim Khan, and Chunky, Bhavna and Ananya Panday visited Mehta's home on Wednesday. Salman Khan, who is shooting for Sikander, is expected to visit later.

A close family friend, who went to offer her condolences, said, "The family is devastated. A heavy air of grief, sorrow and shock hangs over the room as people pour in to pay their respects. They have been shattered at his sudden demise. By evening, they had begun to gather themselves. Mentally, the family was exhausted at the end of the day. Amrita's husband, Shakeel Ladak, is like a rock by her side. People are pouring in to give their support and sympathy as they love the Arora sisters and their mother Joyce. Anil was Malaika and Amrita's stepfather, but all those who knew the family knew how well-knit and strongly bonded they all were. The girls loved him as much as he loved them."