Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A Friendship Day arrest has exposed a chilling tale of betrayal, mounting debt and relentless intimidation that allegedly drove a businessman to end his life. Three friends were arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide of Rajeshbhai Kunjadiya, who left behind a heartbreaking suicide note detailing how those he trusted refused to return Rs 17.32 lakh he had lent them and instead threatened him into silence.
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Rajeshbhai, an embroidery businessman originally from Visavadar in Junagadh, lived with his wife Bhavika and their two children in Surat’s Sarthana area. According to police, he had shut down and sold his embroidery machines after a slowdown in the textile business. From the proceeds, he lent around Rs 14 lakh to his friend Ghanshyam Ahir, who had allegedly claimed he needed the money to move to Canada.
Police said the nightmare began when Rajeshbhai asked for his money back a month later. Instead of returning the amount, Ghanshyam allegedly persuaded him to open multiple bank accounts in six banks, claiming they would be used for financial transactions. Investigators believe these were “mule accounts” allegedly used in cyber fraud. When Rajeshbhai realised he had been trapped, Ghanshyam allegedly threatened to implicate him in cyber crime cases and boasted of police connections.
The businessman had also lent Rs 2 lakh to another friend, Nikshit alias Ricky, and Rs 1.32 lakh to Dadhi Ahir. According to investigators, both repeatedly delayed repayment. Rajeshbhai alleged in his suicide note that whenever he demanded his money, Ricky would mock him by saying, “If you don’t have money, then die,” while claiming he never returned borrowed money to anyone.
On July 30, Rajeshbhai allegedly wrote a detailed suicide note naming the three men and describing the emotional trauma he had endured. In the note, he listed the bank accounts allegedly opened at Ghanshyam’s insistence and claimed he had been threatened with cyber crime complaints if he questioned the transactions. He blamed the trio for refusing to return the money and wrote that their actions had left him with no option but to take the extreme step.
After writing the note, Rajeshbhai reportedly took his daughter out, sent her back home on his moped and later consumed a poisonous substance. When he returned home, his wife noticed a strong smell from his mouth and that he was vomiting. He was rushed to hospital but died during treatment.
Following a complaint filed by his wife on July 31, police launched an investigation. The suicide note and other evidence led investigators to arrest the three accused on Friendship Day on charges of abetment of suicide and related offences. The investigation is continuing to determine the full extent of the alleged financial fraud and intimidation.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
