Pankit Vijay Shah (39), Chief Business Officer of Samco Mutual Fund, died after falling from the fourth-floor passage area of a residential building in Andheri East on Tuesday. Police have registered an accidental death report and ruled out foul play at this stage.
According to the Mumbai Police, Shah had allegedly attempted to retrieve his debit card, which had fallen onto the overhanging eave of the third floor of the Chadha Premises Co-operative Housing Society building.
Attempt to retrieve card turns fatal
Preliminary investigations, including CCTV footage review and eyewitness statements, indicate that Shah was trying to pull the card back using a broom. Investigators later recovered the debit card from the third-floor eave, while the broom was found near his body.
A man from a building opposite the society reportedly shouted at Shah, cautioning him not to lean out of the window. A woman resident on the same floor is also said to have warned him against attempting to retrieve the card in that manner. Despite these warnings, Shah allegedly continued, leading to the fatal fall.
Family had filed missing complaint
Police confirmed that Shah’s family had filed a missing person complaint a day prior to the incident. Officials stated that they are examining the circumstances surrounding the complaint as part of the inquiry.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Datta Nalawade said, “According to the preliminary investigation, it appears to be an accidental death. We are also looking into why the family had registered a missing person complaint.”
Authorities are recording statements from family members and witnesses. The sudden loss has left friends and associates in shock, remembering Shah as a warm and cheerful presence just minutes before the tragic incident.