Surat: Umra Police nabbed a woman in connection with the suicide of city-based builder Tushar Ghelani, registering an offence of abetment to suicide against his alleged close associate, Poonam Bhadoriya, following a detailed probe into financial and personal transactions between the two.

According to police, the action was initiated after Ghelani’s family submitted an application accusing Bhadoriya of mentally harassing and blackmailing him. The family alleged that she had extracted substantial financial benefits, including the transfer of immovable properties, and had been exerting sustained pressure on him by threatening to defame him, particularly ahead of his daughter’s wedding.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Z.R. Desai said Ghelani attempted suicide with his licensed service revolver between the night of January 31 and February 1, 2026. He was admitted in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries on February 5 during treatment. Following a written request by the family on February 12, police recorded statements of relatives, neighbours and associates, after which Bhadoriya emerged as a central figure in the investigation.

Alleged financial pressure and property transfer

Investigators revealed that Bhadoriya had no documented financial investment in “Blue Papillon” pre-primary school, yet functioned as a managing partner and allegedly received a significant share of profits. The school was being operated at Jolly Arcade in Surat.

Police have also flagged a suspicious property transaction in August 2025, wherein two shops located in Jolly Arcade, estimated to be worth ₹1.06 crore, were transferred in Bhadoriya’s name without any banking transaction. Officials suspect the transfer may have been executed under financial duress.

The family has further alleged that Bhadoriya persistently threatened to create a public scene during upcoming wedding functions and damage Ghelani’s reputation, causing him severe emotional distress.

Counter-allegations by woman

It is also notable that nine days after Ghelani’s death, Bhadoriya had approached police claiming that the builder had not died by suicide but was murdered. She alleged that Ghelani’s family treated him as an “ATM” and failed to care for or respect him.

However, police said that no material evidence supporting her allegations has been produced so far. Based on the family’s complaint and findings during the investigation, an FIR has been registered against her under relevant sections pertaining to abetment of suicide, and further legal proceedings are underway.

Background of relationship

Police said the relationship between Ghelani and Bhadoriya began in 2010 when she was employed as a receptionist in his office. Though they reportedly parted ways for a period, they reconnected around 2012–13 and later entered into a professional association. They initially operated a franchise of “Bachpan” school in Ghelani’s building for about two years before launching “Blue Papillon” pre-primary school behind Derasar at Jolly Arcade.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police examining financial records, property documents and digital evidence to establish the sequence of events leading to the builder’s death. DeshGujarat