New Delhi:
In a deeply distressing case, Puneet Khurana, a 40-year-old cafe owner from Delhi, left behind a series of video statements before taking his own life, accusing his wife, Manika Pahwa, and her family of relentless harassment. The incident occurred in the Model Town area, with Mr. Khurana describing the unbearable mental and financial pressure that ultimately drove him to suicide.
The couple, who married in 2016, had filed for mutual divorce after their relationship soured. However, the proceedings devolved into bitter disputes. In his video, Mr. Khurana alleged that his wife and in-laws were demanding an additional Rs 10 lakh, a sum he was unable to provide.
“I am about to commit suicide because I am extremely tortured by my in-laws and my wife,” Mr. Khurana stated in the recording. “We have already filed for mutual divorce on certain terms and conditions. But my in-laws and my wife are pressurizing me with a new set of conditions which are beyond my scope. They are asking for another Rs 10 lakh which I don’t have the capacity to pay.”
Allegations of Harassment
Mr. Khurana’s family has leveled serious accusations against Ms. Pahwa and her relatives, claiming consistent harassment and emotional manipulation. His sister alleged that Ms. Pahwa hacked into Mr. Khurana’s social media accounts to harass him further.
“She, her sister, and her parents mentally tortured him. Puneet has left behind a 59-minute video detailing the harassment. She even hacked his social media accounts to torment him,” his sister claimed.
His mother added that Mr. Khurana suffered in silence to protect his family from additional distress. “She used to keep torturing him… I want justice for my son,” she said.
The Final Days
On December 30, Mr. Khurana had a heated exchange with Ms. Pahwa over property and their co-owned bakery business, “For God’s Cake.” The conversation, recorded and now part of the investigation, includes Ms. Pahwa using derogatory language and accusing him of ruining her life.
“Beggar, tell me what have you asked for. I do not want to see your face. If you come in front of me, I will slap you. If the divorce is going on, will you remove me from the business? Then you will say, ‘if you threaten me, I will commit suicide,’” she said during the call.
Mr. Khurana’s final response was, “All of this doesn’t matter anymore. Just tell me what you want.”
The following day, at around 4:20 pm, Mr. Khurana was found unresponsive at his residence. Police confirmed he died by hanging, with his phone and video recordings seized as evidence.
A History of Discord
The couple initially ran the popular Woodbox Cafe but parted ways both personally and professionally. Court-mandated divorce conditions were reportedly met with new demands from Ms. Pahwa, including Rs 70,000 per month for legal fees, according to Mr. Khurana’s family.
Ms. Pahwa, meanwhile, posted cryptic messages on social media days before the incident, claiming she had endured “toxicity and narcissistic abuse” but was now free. Her family has made counter-allegations, accusing Mr. Khurana of abusive behavior, which are also under investigation.
Police Probe
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest Delhi) Bhisham Singh confirmed an inquiry is ongoing, with statements recorded from both families.
“We have seized Puneet Khurana’s mobile phone and retrieved call recordings and CCTV footage. Both families’ claims are being investigated, including financial disputes and property issues,” Singh said.
This tragic case mirrors a similar incident in Bengaluru, where a tech executive, Atul Subhash, died by suicide last month, leaving behind a 24-page note accusing his wife and her family of harassment. Like Mr. Khurana’s case, allegations of legal and emotional abuse were central to the Bengaluru tragedy, leading to the arrest of Subhash’s wife and her relatives.
The tragic death of Puneet Khurana underscores the dire consequences of unresolved marital discord and the toll of emotional and financial abuse. As the investigation unfolds, his family continues to seek justice, demanding accountability for the alleged harassment that pushed him to the brink.
