When model Lalit Tehlan was accused of slow poisoning Rohit Bal

Rohit Bal, the acclaimed Indian fashion designer, tragically passed away at the age of 63 following a severe heart condition at Delhi's Aashlok Hospital on Friday. His sudden death, just a day after Deepavali, left the fashion world and his loved ones in shock and mourning. Hailing from Kashmir, Bal was renowned for modernising Indian garments, infusing them with a touch of fantasy that made his designs timeless.

Although the exact cause of his death remains undisclosed, Bal had been hospitalized last year after collapsing and losing consciousness. During this period, Rohit Gandhi of the popular Rohit Gandhi-Rahul Khanna designer duo publicly accused Bal's close friend, model Lalit Tehlan, of slowly poisoning him. This accusation has drawn significant media attention and controversy.
Gandhi alleged that Tehlan's actions directly contributed to Bal's deteriorating health, stating that he received threats from Tehlan after voicing these concerns. He eventually reported the threats to the police, though he later chose not to pursue the matter further.
Another close associate of Bal, marketing professional Jullie Deb, echoed these accusations, claiming that Tehlan had abandoned Bal during a critical time, even taking Bal’s Jaguar and cook to Goa. Deb expressed fear for her safety, recounting Tehlan's threats against her after she and Gandhi intervened to ensure Bal received medical attention.

Deb also revealed that Tehlan had isolated Bal from his friends over the past two years, implying that Tehlan was primarily interested in Bal's financial situation. She recounted an incident where Tehlan allegedly provided Bal with alcohol during his recovery at a rehab facility.
Despite these allegations, Rohit Bal defended Tehlan in a media interview, describing him as a kind person who had been instrumental in his care during a heart attack. Bal dismissed the accusations as unfounded, expressing gratitude for Tehlan's support.
Tehlan, while known for his modeling career, gained notoriety primarily through his long-standing friendship with Bal, which began when Bal discovered him at age 17.
Rohit Bal’s passing marks a significant loss for the fashion industry. Just a month prior, he had made a triumphant return with the launch of his latest collection, Kaayanaat, at Lakme Fashion Week, highlighting his enduring legacy.