Another suicide amidst divorce: Delhi cafe owner's death echoes Bengaluru techie case

Just days after the tragic suicide of Bengaluru tech worker Atul Subhash, a similar incident has occurred in Delhi. Puneet Khurana, a 40-year-old businessman, was found dead at his Model Town residence on New Year’s Eve. His death reportedly followed prolonged emotional distress allegedly caused by his estranged wife and her family.

Who was Puneet Khurana?

Puneet Khurana co-owned the "Woodbox Cafe" with his wife, Manika Pahwa. On the evening of December 31, he was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan in his home. Police found a ligature mark on his neck and have launched an investigation.

Background of marital discord

Puneet’s family alleges that marital discord and harassment by his wife and her family contributed to his death. The couple, married since 2016, began experiencing difficulties two years into their marriage, leading to divorce proceedings initiated by mutual consent. However, disputes over property and business shares, particularly regarding their jointly owned bakery, persisted and reportedly escalated, further straining their relationship.

The family claims Manika continued to press Puneet for financial compensation even after their separation.

Family allegations

Family members state that Puneet last spoke with his wife about their business shortly before his death. They allege that during this conversation, Manika insisted on maintaining her stake in the business despite the divorce.

A 59-minute video recorded by Puneet before his death, allegedly detailing the harassment he faced, has surfaced, according to police sources.

His sister has directly accused Manika, her parents, and her sister of mentally torturing him and also claimed his social media accounts were hacked.

‘Die by suicide if you dare’

In an interview with ANI, Puneet’s sister stated, “Manika and her family forced my brother, stressed him out, instigated him by saying, ‘you can’t do anything, die by suicide if you dare’.... There is a video recording where Puneet has mentioned details of harassment.”

Meanwhile, Puneet's mother stated, "His wife constantly tormented him... I just want justice for my son."

While police have not yet confirmed the existence of this video, a 15-minute audio clip of a heated exchange between Puneet and Manika shortly before his death has gone viral. In this clip, Manika can be heard demanding payment of dues.

Puneet’s father, Trilok Nath Khurana, has provided police with a mobile phone containing evidence of the alleged harassment, which has been seized as part of the investigation.

Manika Pahwa's social media post

Less than a week before Puneet’s death, Manika shared a cryptic post on Instagram, claiming she was subjected to "toxicity and narcissistic abuse," though she did not name anyone. In the post, she spoke about healing and emphasized the importance of respect.

Parallel with the Atul Subhash case

This case echoes the recent suicide of Bengaluru tech worker Atul Subhash, 34, who was found hanging at his residence on December 9, 2024. Subhash had also recorded videos and written notes before his death. Police have arrested his wife, Nikita, her mother, and her brother in connection with his case.