Mumbai: Reputed builder Paras Porwal jumps to death

Mumbai: Well-known real estate developer Paras Shantilal Porwal, 57, committed suicide on Thursday by jumping from the balcony of his 23^rd floor residence in Chinchpokli's Shanti Kamal cooperative housing society.

A team from the Kalachowki police station reached the stop after getting an alert from locals. As of now, there seems to be no foul play in the case, said the police.

“The victim jumped from the balcony of the gym-apartment and a suicide note have been found as well,” said the police official, adding that Porwal took the extreme step at 6 am. In the note, the deceased said that nobody should be held responsible for his death and no inquiry should be done. Initially, the body was spotted by a security guard. “He panicked and started yelling for help, which is when locals and passer-by came to the scene. Immediately, they informed the police and the victim's family members,” said the cop.

According to sources, Porwal had issues related to finance which may be the suicide cause, but there is no confirmation from the cops yet. The police have already started talking to the family members, relatives and neighbours of Porwal.

Meanwhile, those who knew the builder were not able to come to terms with the news. Talking to The FPJ, one of the employees at his building, who knew Porwal closely said, “Never expected Paras bhai to do something like this. He was a cheerful and very helpful person. It's sad that something like this happened.”

The body was first sent to a civic-run hospital and later moved to the KEM Hospital for post-mortem.

Porwal's story is one of the rags to riches type, as he started with odd jobs in the realty sector and gradually rose to prominence. His presence in the Marathi-speaking community was also notable since he was involved in several projects of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority. One of the mourners remarked, “Several people who resided in slums of Mumbai, now have their own apartment. They regard the efforts of Porwal (for providing them better houses).”