The suicide of Surat-based builder Tushar Ghelani, which occurred just days before his daughter’s wedding, has led to a criminal investigation into alleged financial disputes and a previously undisclosed personal relationship, with police arresting a woman accused of abetment to suicide.
According to investigators, Ghelani died after shooting himself with his licensed revolver at his residence on January 31. He was rushed to a hospital and remained under treatment for several days before succumbing to his injuries on February 4. Police confirmed the death as a suicide following verification of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The case took a new turn after a complaint was filed by Ghelani’s daughter, Tanvi, who alleged that her father had been under severe mental stress linked to financial and personal issues involving Poonam Bhadauria, identified by police as a former employee of the Jolly Group and someone with whom he shared a close personal relationship. Based on the complaint, Umra police registered a case under Section 306 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for abetment to suicide and arrested Bhadauria.
Investigators said Bhadauria initially worked with Ghelani’s company around 2010 and later reconnected with him around 2014–15. Police stated that what began as a professional association allegedly developed into a personal relationship, which Bhadauria has described as consensual. Family members, according to investigators, were unaware of this relationship during Ghelani’s lifetime.
Police are examining financial transactions and property transfers that took place over several years. Officials said Bhadauria was listed as holding a 50 per cent share in educational ventures launched under the Bachpan brand and later a pre-primary school named Blue Papillon. Investigators claim she made no financial investment but received approximately Rs 1.37 crore over six to seven years as profit transfers.
Authorities are also probing the transfer of two commercial properties in Jolly Arcade on Ghod Dod Road to Bhadauria’s name in August 2025, valued together at around Rs 1.06 crore. Police allege that no payment corresponding to these transfers was credited to Ghelani’s account and are investigating claims that the transactions may have been executed under pressure, an allegation that remains under inquiry.
According to police, Ghelani had reportedly confided to his daughter about a week before his death that he felt “trapped” and feared potential disruption during upcoming wedding celebrations. The suicide occurred four days before the scheduled ceremony, turning what had been a period of family preparation into mourning.
Investigators are now analysing financial records, statements from associates, and communication evidence to determine whether alleged pressure, financial disputes, or other factors contributed to the suicide. Police said the inquiry remains ongoing and further findings will depend on evidence gathered during the investigation.
