Vaibhav Rungta, accused of relentlessly harassing a family that died by suicide in Surat, was arrested in Delhi, police confirmed on Thursday. The arrest comes days after Balmukund Khetan, his wife Priyanka Khetan, and their nine-year-aged daughter Bhavya Khetan were found dead in their apartment in the Vesu locality of Surat.
The incident began to unfold on Tuesday evening when Priyanka Khetan contacted her father, Sanjay Agrawal, a textile trader, to report that her husband had consumed pesticide, according to police reports. Agrawal rushed to the family’s residence at Happy Elegance society and discovered all four family members unconscious. While emergency services were immediately alerted, Balmukund Khetan was pronounced dead at the scene. Priyanka and Bhavya Khetan were transported to a private hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
A three-page suicide note recovered from the apartment detailed allegations of extensive financial and mental abuse perpetrated by Rungta, according to investigators. The note claims Rungta fraudulently used Khetan’s credit cards to make unauthorized purchases, including clothing, a mobile phone, and other items. He too allegedly withdrew cash and borrowed a two-wheeler that was never returned. When Khetan demanded repayment and the return of the vehicle, he was reportedly subjected to threats and harassment.
Following Agrawal’s complaint, Vesu police registered a case of abetment to suicide and criminal intimidation, launching an investigation that led to Rungta’s arrest in Delhi. News18 reported that Rungta was apprehended by Surat Police with assistance from Delhi authorities.
The couple’s seven-year-old daughter, Pathvi, survived the incident. Investigators have stated that Pathvi provided testimony, revealing she was spoon-fed a substance by her parents. The investigation also revealed Khetan expressed concern in his suicide note for the future of the family’s pet dog, requesting arrangements for its care.
A Delhi court initially refused to grant a transit remand for Rungta, ordering him to appear in person before the Surat court. The investigation continues to focus on the extent of the financial abuse and the timeline of events leading up to the tragedy.