Cheteshwar Pujara’s brother-in-law, Jeet Rasikbhai Pabari, was found dead at his home in Rajkot in what the police have confirmed as a suicide.
Officers from the Malviyanagar police station arrived after being alerted and have started an investigation.
“He died by suicide at his home. He hung a rope from the window grill of his bedroom on the first floor,” ACP BJ Chaudhari of Rajkot (South) told news agency ANI.
Who was Jeet Pabari?
Jeet Pabari, 30, is the brother of Pujara’s wife, Puja Pabari. He ran an import-export business and had married less than a year ago. He was found hanging from a nylon rope attached to the window of his room on the first floor of the family’s bungalow near Kalavad Road in Malaviya Nagar.
The incident happened on Wednesday, November 26, exactly one year after Jeet’s former fiancée filed a rape complaint against him in 2024. The matching dates have led investigators to consider whether stress from the ongoing case may have affected his mental state, according to a report by News18.
ACP Chaudhari said that Pabari’s family found him in his room around 9 am. He was rushed to Wockhardt Hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. The police were informed and after a post-mortem at Rajkot Civil Hospital, the body was handed over to his family.
“The police brought the body to the government hospital for a post-mortem. The body was then handed over to the family. No motive has yet been identified,” he added.
What is being alleged in the FIR?
According to the FIR filed last year, Jeet’s former fiancée accused him of forcing her into a sexual relationship under the promise of marriage.
She alleged the abuse continued after their engagement, and he later broke off the relationship suddenly.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s career
Cheteshwar Pujara has been one of India’s most dependable Test batsmen. He made his debut in 2010 and became a key part of India’s middle order, especially after Rahul Dravid retired.
Some of his best performances came overseas, such as during the 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where his long, steady innings helped India win the series. At home, he was known for his ability to handle tough, spinning tracks and absorb pressure.
Pujara retired earlier this year, ending his international career across all formats.
He married Puja Pabari in February 2013 in a traditional ceremony in Rajkot. The couple is known for their close family life and often shares moments together on social media.
DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or in distress contact the Vandrevala Foundation’s helpline (+91-9999666555) which is available in 11 languages including English and can be accessed via telephone or WhatsApp 24×7. You can also contact Fortis Hospital’s National Helpline number 91-8376804102 which is available 24×7. You can also contact the Government Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline ‘KIRAN’ at 18005990019 which is available 24×7.