Surat Builder Suicide: Woman Friend Booked for Abetment

Surat | Gujarat — In a dramatic turn in the high-profile suicide case of Surat-based builder Tushar Ghelani, the Umra Police Station have registered an offence of abetment to suicide against his alleged female friend Poonam Bhadoria and detained her for questioning. The action follows a detailed investigation into allegations made by Ghelani’s family, who claimed he was subjected to emotional and financial blackmail.

Ghelani, owner of the Ghelani Group, had shot himself with his licensed revolver at his residence on February 1. He was rushed to Mahavir Hospital in critical condition after a 9 mm bullet pierced the left side of his brain. Despite five days on ventilator support and continuous efforts by a team of specialists, doctors declared him brain dead on Wednesday.

Police sources said the builder’s family had lodged a complaint alleging that Bhadoria was blackmailing him and had allegedly taken control of certain properties, starting from a shop. “The family claimed the accused was repeatedly threatening to defame him and even disrupt his daughter’s wedding ceremony,” a senior police official said. “Based on technical evidence and statements, we found prima facie material indicating abetment. Accordingly, a case has been registered and further legal action is underway.”

Investigators revealed that Ghelani had reportedly expressed distress over alleged threats and feared public humiliation. According to the complaint, he wanted to end the association but was unable to do so.

However, the case took a sensational twist nine days after his death when Bhadoria filed a petition claiming the builder had not committed suicide but was murdered. In her application to the police, she alleged that Ghelani’s family treated him “like an ATM machine,” failed to respect him, and exerted financial pressure. She also claimed he had borrowed Rs 25 lakh from his mother shortly before his daughter’s wedding.

Responding to these claims, a police officer stated, “We examined both sides thoroughly. The murder allegation did not find supporting evidence during the preliminary probe. The medical and forensic reports are consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot injury.”

The detention of Bhadoria has intensified public debate in Surat’s business circles, with many expressing shock over the tragic end of a prominent real estate figure. Legal experts note that abetment to suicide charges hinge on establishing sustained harassment or provocation that drives a person to take the extreme step.

Meanwhile, police have assured that the investigation remains ongoing. “If any additional evidence emerges, we will act accordingly. Our priority is to ensure that justice is served based on facts,” the official added.