Delhi cafe owner’s suicide: Another case of harassment by his wife after Atul Subhash; This is what we know so far

A few days after the suicide of a tech worker named Atul Subhash in Bengaluru, a tragic incident involving the suicide of a Delhi businessman has drawn attention to the pressing issues of mental harassment and domestic abuse.

Puneet Khurana, 40, was found dead at his home in Kalyan Vihar area, allegedly following prolonged emotional distress believed to have been inflicted by his ex-wife and her family.

Puneet’s body found

Puneet Khurana’s lifeless body was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan at his residence on New Year’s Eve. Law enforcement officials reported a ligature mark around his neck and further investigations have been launched into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Khurana’s family has accused his wife, Manika Pahwa, and his relatives of responsibility for his untimely death, alleging that their actions amounted to mental harassment.

Harassment complaints

Puneet’s family alleges that Manika and her family subjected him to constant mental torture, resulting in unbearable emotional stress. According to family statements, the couple had entered into a dispute over their joint bakery business, which led to daily threats and demands for financial compensation.

• Demands for financial settlements: Reports indicate that Manika repeatedly demanded her share of the bakery business, reported ‘India Today’. Puneet’s father claimed, “He was threatened daily over financial and property issues.”
• Documenting the abuse: Puneet’s sister revealed that he had created a 59-minute video documenting the harassment she suffered. Speaking to ANI, he added: “Manika and her family forced my brother, they stressed him out… There is a video recording in which Puneet mentions details of the harassment.

This is where it all started

Married in 2016, Puneet and Manika’s relationship began to deteriorate within two years. They were joint owners of “Woodbox Cafe”, but emotional and financial disputes led to their separation in 2022.

• Asset Split: After their separation, the couple reportedly split their business interests with Puneet managing ‘For God’s Bakery’ and Manika taking control of ‘Woodbox Cafe’. However, the friction continued and Manika allegedly asked for additional compensation despite the court’s ruling on her assets.
• Family Perspectives: Speaking to the media, Puneet’s mother expressed her anguish and stated, “She (Puneet’s wife) used to keep torturing him… I want justice for him.”

Audio clipping

Recorded evidence has emerged, including a 16-minute audio clip capturing a heated exchange between Puneet and Manika shortly before her death. The recording reportedly features Manika insisting that Puneet clear his bakery dues, despite their ongoing divorce proceedings.

• Final conversations: Police stated that the last person Puneet spoke to was his wife in a phone call around 3 am on the day of his death, where the argument escalated. Apparently, Manika accused Puneet of dishonoring her family and insinuated that he was threatening to end her life.
• Interaction Details: In the conversation, Puneet urged Manika to express her demands, to which she replied that he could leave the house or kill himself if he wanted to, reflecting the tension and severity of their disputes. .

Police investigation

On receiving information about Puneet’s condition around 4:20 pm on January 2, the police reached the spot where they found his body.

• Evidence Collection: Authorities seized Puneet’s mobile phone and other relevant items as part of their investigation. Her family has maintained that harassment by Manika and her family fundamentally contributed to her tragic decision.
• Family concerns: Puneet’s father presented a mobile phone to police, detailing the extent of the harassment his son faced. This case is now part of a wider investigation into domestic abuse and mental health issues.

(With contributions from the agency)