A major twist has emerged in the suicide case of prominent Surat builder Tushar Gelani, after fresh WhatsApp chats were submitted in court, potentially altering the direction of the investigation.

Poonam Bhadoria, the prime accused in the case and described as Gelani’s girlfriend, filed a bail plea in a Surat sessions court on Wednesday. In her petition, she made serious allegations against the Gelani family, claiming that they—not she—were responsible for the mental pressure that allegedly drove Tushar to suicide.

Through her lawyer, Poonam argued that Tushar’s own family treated him “like an ATM machine” and subjected him to continuous emotional distress. The petition makes particular reference to Tushar’s elder daughter, alleging that she mentally harassed her father after returning from abroad.

According to the bail application, the daughter allegedly addressed her father as “Mr. Tushar Gelani” instead of “Papa,” which Poonam claims deeply hurt him.

WhatsApp Chats Submitted in Court

Poonam also presented WhatsApp chats allegedly sent by Tushar’s daughter to him. In one message, the daughter purportedly wrote:
“Don’t worry, if needed, I’ll sell myself to pay the money. You enjoy now.”

Poonam claimed in court that Tushar’s daughter closely monitored his phone calls, movements, and meetings, which made him feel suffocated and mentally cornered.

How the Case Began

The case dates back to February 1, when 58-year-old Tushar Gelani shot himself at his residence while preparations were underway for his daughter’s wedding. He succumbed to his injuries on February 5 during treatment.

Following his death, Tushar’s daughter lodged an FIR against Poonam Bhadoria, accusing her of maintaining an immoral relationship with her father for nearly 15 years and extorting crores of rupees by threatening to defame him.

The complaint further alleged that Poonam had forcibly acquired a 50% stake in Tushar’s pre-primary school and subjected him to prolonged mental harassment.

“Tushar Was Happy Before His Suicide,” Claims Poonam

In her bail plea, Poonam stated that she had known Tushar since 2010 and maintained regular contact with him. She claimed that while Tushar appeared outwardly cheerful, he was emotionally distressed due to family pressure.

According to Poonam, when she last spoke to Tushar on the evening of January 31—just a day before the incident—he appeared happy and showed no signs of suicidal intent.

Poonam is currently in police custody. The sessions court is scheduled to hear arguments from both sides on Thursday, after which a decision on her bail application will be taken.