Authorities in Rajkot have launched a full investigation into the death of Jeet Rasik Pabari, the brother of Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara’s wife. The 30-year-old businessman was discovered unresponsive in his room at the family residence in Harihar Society on Wednesday morning and was later declared dead at Wockhardt Hospital.

Police officials confirmed that he was found hanging in a first-floor bedroom of his bungalow near Kalavad Road. His wife and mother were downstairs at the time, occupied with routine chores, and discovered him only around 11 am. “We have not come across any suicide note inside the room. Further, his mobile phone has also not been traced yet,” said JR Desai, inspector of the Malaviya Nagar police station. An accidental death report has been registered, and the phone records are expected to be examined as part of the inquiry.

Investigators noted that Pabari had been undergoing treatment for depression for nearly two months. The body was sent for a post-mortem at Rajkot Civil Hospital after doctors declared him dead on arrival at the private hospital. Statements from his family members will be recorded to help determine what may have led to the tragedy.

The date of his death has drawn attention, as it occurred exactly a year after his former fiancée had lodged a rape complaint against him on November 26, 2024. According to previous case records, she accused him of coercing her into a physical relationship under the pretext of marriage. Police had already filed a chargesheet in the matter, and Pabari had secured anticipatory bail from the Gujarat High Court. Investigators, however, emphasised that the earlier case only forms a part of the background and does not establish a direct link to Wednesday’s incident.

Pabari Leaves Behind Young Family in Rajkot

Pabari operated an import-export business and belonged to a family long settled in Rajkot after originally living in Jamjodhpur. He had been married for less than a year and is survived by his wife, parents and two sisters.

ACP B.J. Chaudhari stated that family members had initially rushed him to the hospital in an ambulance after finding him unresponsive. Police later handed over the body to the family following the completion of the post-mortem.

Pujara, known for his remarkable Test career and resilient batting, retired from international cricket earlier this year. He and his wife Puja, who married in 2013, have maintained a close-knit family life. Puja recently published The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife: A Very Unusual Memoir, reflecting on their journey together.

Police are continuing the investigation and are awaiting forensic and medical reports to determine the exact cause of death.