A 38-year-old Indian-origin businessman who leaped to his death in front of a moving train in the UK had no reason to commit suicide, his wife has told a court.
Jay Kantaria had quit a senior position at London firm Baring Asset Management to start a career in property development and to spend more time with his family.
Kantaria jumped "feet first" in front of a train as it passed through Sudbury Hill station in north London at 85mph on October 20 last year.
But his wife, Monica who works as a senior auditor at JP Morgan Chase in London, told an inquest into his death at North London Coroners Court this week that there was no reason for him to commit suicide.
"He had everything to live for. He was looking forward to his daughter's birthday party the following week. There is no reason I have to believe that he intended his life to come to an end," she said.
Coroner Andrew Walker said he would take her views on board and not record a suicide verdict.
"In the circumstances, I think there is a doubt in my mind about what his intention was, so I am going to leave the conclusion open. Jay Kantaria jumped in front of a train at Sudbury Hill station and died. The conclusion, for the reason I have said, is an open conclusion," Walker said.
The cause of death was a brain injury consistent with being struck by a rapidly moving train.
Kantaria, a London School of Economics (LSE) graduate born in Kenya, had no alcohol or drugs in his system and did not suffer from any known psychiatric problems.
A statement from train driver Michael Hughes recounted how Kantaria "seemed to have a good look at my train".
"I then lost sight of him. When I passed the bridge I saw who I believe to be the same male run to the edge of the platform and jump feet-first, as if he was doing a long jump," he told the court.
The driver said he felt no impact but immediately activated the emergency brake and called for help.
British Transport Police investigator, Terry Hancocks, said "he appeared to move from the platform and then he is caught by the camera just in the air, before being struck by the train".
The coroner advised Kantaria's family not to view stills from the tragic CCTV footage.
