Greater Noida: Father, son die after falling from 23rd floor during puja
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A 40-year-old man and his 11-year-old son died on Friday, 30 October after falling from the 23rd floor of a residential tower at Mahagun Mywoods Society in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddha Nagar district, while reportedly collecting flowers for a morning puja, according to police.
What Happened
The deceased have been identified as Randeep Patra, son of Amal Kumar Patra, and his son Aarav. According to preliminary information shared by police, the father and son had stepped onto their balcony at Tower 23 of the society to pluck flowers for the morning puja before Randeep's wife left for the Khatu Shyam Temple.
Initial findings suggest that young Aarav slipped while collecting flowers and was left hanging from the balcony. His father reportedly rushed to intervene but lost his balance in the attempt, and both fell from the 23rd floor.
Police Response and Investigation
The Bisrakh police station received information through a Police Response Vehicle (PRV) alert on Friday morning. A police team immediately reached the spot and found both individuals critically injured at the base of the tower. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared them dead on arrival.
Police said the exact circumstances leading to the incident would be established after a detailed investigation, and that all aspects of the case are being examined. The inquest proceedings have been completed, and the bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination.
Family's Account
Randeep's wife told police she had an early departure planned on Friday to visit the Khatu Shyam Temple. Her husband and son had gone to the balcony to gather flowers for the puja before she left. She was not present at the time of the incident, according to police.
Impact on the Society
The incident triggered panic among residents of Mahagun Mywoods Society and has left the family devastated. The tragedy comes amid broader concerns about balcony safety in high-rise residential complexes, particularly in rapidly urbanising areas like Greater Noida. Further legal proceedings are underway, police confirmed.