Malaika Arora’s stepfather dies, police suspect suicide

The police said they have not recovered any suicide note as yet, and they are conducting inquiries with his family members.

“Only Malaika’s mother Joyce Polycarp and stepfather Mehta were there in the house at the time of the incident. Mehta, who was reading the newspaper, got up and moved towards the terrace adjacent to the house. As Mehta didn’t return, Joyce went to check on him and found her former husband’s slippers there. She then leaned out of the terrace and looked down and spotted Mehta in the compound and a security guard screaming for help,” a senior police officer said.

Immediately after the incident, Anil was taken to the Bhabha Hospital where he was declared dead by doctors.

The police said that the body was sent to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem examination, and it will be videographed in presence of police surgeon.

The police have inquired about the society’s security guard who told them that he heard a loud sound and rushed to the spot and saw Mehta lying in the compound.

The police have also secured CCTV footage in which Mehta is seen falling on the ground. Since the cameras are installed at the ground floor they do not cover upper floors or terrace, a police source said.

“In a provisional statement Joyce narrated this sequence of events and also told the police that Mehta would go into ‘depression’ frequently and later become normal. Her detailed statement would be recorded at a later stage,” the senior officer added.

Sources have said that Mehta was suffering from some prolonged REMOVE illness and was undergoing treatment, however police are still verifying it.

Preliminary inquiry revealed that Joyce and Mehta had separated long back. For the past few years they were living together.

DCP Zone IX, Raj Tilak Roushan said, “Body of Anil Mehta was found. He resided on the sixth floor. We are carrying out further investigation and teams of police and forensic officials are here. We are investigating all angles in detail. Prima facie it seems to be suicide.”

There were also unconfirmed reports of Mehta making calls to her two step-daughters before the ‘suicide’ telling them about his tiredness from illness, however, the same could not be confirmed by the police.

Malaika on Wednesday night shared on Instagram, “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. Our family is in deep shock by this loss, and we kindly request privacy from the media and well-wishers during this difficult time. We appreciate your understanding, support, and respect. With Gratitude, Joyce, Malaika, Amrita, Shakeel, Arhaan, Azaan, Rayyan, Casper, Axl, Duffy & Buddy.”

Malaika’s family members, relatives, and former husband actor Arbaaz Khan were seen visiting them in the morning. A team of Bandra police was also at the spot conducting a probe.