Surat police have arrested Poonam Bhadoria, a partner of prominent builder Tushar Ghelani, on charges linked to alleged abetment of suicide. Ghelani shot himself with his licensed revolver on the night of January 31, 2026, according to investigators. He later died during treatment on February 5, the same date his daughter’s wedding was scheduled.
The Umra police acted after a formal complaint from Ghelani’s family. Investigators say the inquiry pointed to sustained mental and financial pressure in the months leading up to the incident.
What police say the investigation has found so far
Assistant Commissioner of Police ZR Desai said the probe highlighted “constant mental and financial coercion,” based on statements and an examination of documents. Police reviewed school records and property papers, and they flagged transactions they described as suspicious.
Police registered a case of abetment to suicide, which means alleged instigation or intentional aid that contributes to a person taking their own life. The offence is punishable under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaced the earlier Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code.
A relationship at the centre of the allegations
Ghelani’s daughter told police her father had been in a relationship with Bhadoria for around 15 years, the family said. The complaint claims the relationship later became a source of severe distress for him.
The family alleges Bhadoria repeatedly pressured Ghelani and used threats of public humiliation. They also claim the pressure intensified when wedding preparations began.
Disputed stakes in a school and questions over payments
A major part of the complaint concerns Blue Papillon Pre-Primary School. The family alleges Bhadoria acquired a 50% stake and acted as a managing partner without any documented investment. They also claim she received about Rs 1.37 crore in salary and benefits between 2018 and 2024.
Police say they have checked school-related documents while tracing the flow of money and authority inside the venture.
Property transfer claims tied to Jolly Arcade
The complaint also focuses on two shops in Jolly Arcade. The family alleges the shops, valued at about Rs 1.06 crore, were transferred into Bhadoria’s name without verifiable banking transactions.
Investigators say they reviewed property documents as part of the same financial angle. Police have not disclosed the full paper trail or any forensic findings from the documents.
The January 31 call before the shooting
The family describes January 31 as a turning point. They allege Bhadoria threatened to create a scene at the February 5 wedding and disgrace the family publicly. The complaint also refers to a July 2025 confrontation, when Ghelani’s daughters allegedly asked Bhadoria to stop harassment. The family claims she then demanded a 50% share of Ghelani’s properties.
Police say they have recorded statements linked to these claims as part of the abetment case.
A counter-complaint that widens the probe
Nine days after Ghelani’s death, Bhadoria filed her own police complaint. She claimed he did not die by suicide and alleged he was murdered. She also made allegations against Ghelani’s family.
Police have said they will investigate both the original complaint and the counter-complaint. The case now hinges on document scrutiny, witness statements, and the outcome of parallel inquiries that will test competing versions of events.