No foul play suspected, Sheth suicide probe could end soon

The police probe into the suicide of Lalit Sheth, founder of Shree Raj Tours and Travels Ltd., is likely to end soon and the case to be closed, as family members have told investigators that there was no pressure or threats to the 56-year-old, which could have pushed him to take such an extreme step.

The police probe into the suicide of Lalit Sheth, founder of Shree Raj Tours and Travels Ltd., is likely to end soon and the case to be closed, as family members have told investigators that there was no pressure or threats to the 56-year-old, which could have pushed him to take such an extreme step.

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The police said the family also does not suspect foul play. An officer from Dadar police station, which is investigating the case, said: "The deceased mentioned in the suicide note that nobody is responsible for his death so there is no scope for any investigation."

In his police statement, Sheth's son Akash said that while his father had been a little stressed out since the past two months, the atmosphere at home had been peaceful.

Dhananjay Kulkarni, deputy commissioner of police (zone V), said: "Akash stated that his father had a business meeting with a person who has been a family friend since 20 years. [Sheth committed suicide on his way home after this meeting.] The details of the person are not known yet. Things will get clear after we record the statements of their driver and other family members."

The police will record the statements of Ajit Jha, the driver who drove him to Andheri on the fateful day. "Jha's statement will throw light on the deceased's mood before and after the Andheri meeting. He will also be able to tell us whether he heard anything odd when Sheth was on the phone," Kulkarni said.

The police are waiting for call data records from Sheth's cellphone service provider.

Around 1pm on Wednesday, Sheth, who was heading to his Girgaum residence, asked his driver to stop on the sea link, drive ahead and wait for him as he wanted to speak on the phone. He then leaped off the bridge.