Sudesh Desai, the housing society's chairman, where the late Wing Commander Darryl Castellino's mother stays, recalls the time Castellino had approached him while purchasing the flat and described him as a humble person. "It wasn't until much later that I realised who he was (an officer in the Indian Air Force)."

Ashish Thakur, another resident and neighbour also conceded that he didn't know the late Wing Commander Castelino too well, but admitted that in the few interactions he had, Castellino had left a lasting impression.

Another member said the only time they saw him was when he would come visiting his mother while on leave since 'most of the time he used to be away on deputation'.

With each passing hour, the neighbours are closing ranks, refusing to speak to the media, requesting reporters repeatedly to respect the family's privacy.

"She is in shock," a neighbour told Rediff.com of Wing Commander Castelino's mother. "You must leave them be," he said.

The last rites will be held on Sunday.
Report by Abhishek Mande