Delhi Man Dies By Suicide; Family Says Estranged Wife 'Dared Him' To Do So

A 40-year-old entrepreneur from Delhi allegedly died by suicide at his home in Model Town's Kalyan Vihar on January 1, police told the Press Trust of India. Puneet Khurana, 40, who owned a popular cafe with his wife Manika Pahwa, was going through a troubled marriage and business dispute. His family has accused his estranged spouse and in-laws of harassment and abetment of suicide, according to the Asian News International. “She used to keep torturing him...I want justice for him,” his grieving mother told the news agency.

Wife And In-Laws 'Tortured Him': Family

Puneet Khurana was found hanging by the ceiling fan in his room, Delhi Police said. He and his estranged wife, who were married since 2016, owned a cafe and a bakery together. Khurana's family told the police that they were going through a separation and he was 'upset' with Pahwa over their frequent personal and business disputes.

Khurana's sister told ANI, "When the first notion for divorce was signed, it was decided and put in writing that Puneet would manage For God's bakery and Manika would get Woodbox Cafe. It was signed. Even after that, she kept saying that she won't leave her share. When the matter has been decided in court, go and raise the issue there."

Khurana's sister told ANI that Pahwa's family "mentally tortured and harassed" him and "even hacked Puneet's social media account." She further claimed, "Manika Pahwa, her parents and her sister forced my brother, stressed him out, instigated him by saying, You can't do anything, die by suicide if you dare.'" 

Khurana's mother told ANI, "She kept torturing my son and he suffered in silence... He would not say anything openly to us, thinking that my parents would be upset. He kept swallowing his grief. My son was doing well, but she tortured him so much yesterday that he took this step. I lost my son, please ensure justice for him so that his soul rests in peace."

#WATCH | Delhi | Deceased Puneet's mother says, "She (Puneet's wife) used to keep torturing him...I want justice for him." pic.twitter.com/DHQt9mNU2E

— ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2025

Khurana and Pahwa had spoken the night before his alleged suicide when they argued over business. A 16-minute recording of one of their calls has surfaced, where Pahwa is heard saying, "We are getting a divorce, but I am still a business partner. You need to clear my dues." The Khuranas have registered a police complaint against Pahwa and her family.