Delhi Cafe Owner’s Tragic Suicide: Allegations of Harassment by Wife and In-Laws, Video Note Before Suicide

New Delhi: In a heart-wrenching incident, Puneet Khurana, a 40-year-old cafe owner from Delhi, ended his life allegedly due to mental torture and financial harassment by his wife, Manika Pahwa, and her family. The incident took place in the Model Town area, with Mr. Khurana leaving behind video recordings detailing his ordeal. Police have launched an investigation into the case.

Video Note Reveals Allegations of Harassment

Before taking the drastic step, Mr. Khurana recorded a series of videos in which he accused his wife and in-laws of relentless harassment. He revealed that mutual divorce proceedings, initially amicable, had devolved into acrimonious disputes. According to his statement, he was subjected to unreasonable financial demands, including an additional payment of Rs 10 lakh, which he could not afford.

“I am about to commit suicide because I am extremely tortured by my in-laws and my wife. We had filed for mutual divorce with certain terms and conditions agreed upon in court. However, they are now pressuring me with new demands that are beyond my capacity. They want another Rs 10 lakh, which I cannot arrange,” he said in the video. “I cannot burden my parents further as they have already given enough.”

Family’s Accusations

Mr. Khurana’s family has accused Ms. Pahwa, her sister, and her parents of consistent harassment. His sister alleged that the abuse went beyond financial pressures to include emotional manipulation. She claimed that Ms. Pahwa hacked into Mr. Khurana’s social media accounts and harassed him through multiple channels.

“She, her sister, and her parents mentally tortured him. Puneet has left behind a 59-minute video detailing the harassment he faced. She even hacked his social media accounts,” his sister said.

His mother added that Mr. Khurana avoided sharing his troubles openly to shield his family from further distress. “She kept torturing him. He suffered silently. I want justice for my son,” she said.

Escalating Disputes

The couple’s disputes reportedly escalated days before Mr. Khurana’s death. On December 30, he had a heated argument with Ms. Pahwa over property and their co-owned bakery business, “For God’s Cake.”

In a 15-minute call, now part of the police’s evidence, Ms. Pahwa used derogatory language and accused him of ruining her life. “Beggar, tell me what you’ve asked for. I don’t want to see your face. If you come in front of me, I will slap you,” she said. Mr. Khurana’s calm response was, “All of this doesn’t matter anymore. Just tell me what you want.”

The Tragic Incident

On December 31, at approximately 4:20 pm, the Delhi Police received information about Mr. Khurana’s death. He was found unresponsive on his bed, with a mark around his neck, indicating death by hanging. A mobile phone containing his video statements and call recordings was seized as evidence.

A History of Marital Discord

Mr. Khurana and Ms. Pahwa were married in 2016 and initially ran the successful Woodbox Cafe together. However, their relationship soured within two years, leading to mutual divorce proceedings. While the court had outlined conditions for their separation, Mr. Khurana’s family claims that Ms. Pahwa repeatedly threatened to escalate conflicts and file false cases if her demands were not met.

Days before the incident, Ms. Pahwa posted on social media, claiming she had endured “toxicity and narcissistic abuse” and referred to her alleged abusers as “insecure cowards.” Mr. Khurana’s family, however, accused her of fabricating allegations to divert attention from her own actions.

The Ongoing Investigation

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest Delhi) Bhisham Singh confirmed that an inquiry is underway. Statements from both families are being recorded.

“Puneet Khurana’s father alleged that his son faced marital discord and harassment, leading to his suicide. We have seized his mobile phone, and the family’s claims are being verified. Counter-allegations by Ms. Pahwa’s family are also being examined,” the DCP said.

Police have retrieved call recordings, CCTV footage, and Mr. Khurana’s phone for forensic analysis. The investigation will also explore financial transactions and property disputes central to the case.

Not an Isolated Incident

Mr. Khurana’s tragic death follows a similar case in Bengaluru last month, where a tech executive, Atul Subhash, died by suicide. He left behind a 24-page note accusing his wife and her family of harassment and emotional abuse, claiming his death was the only way to protect his parents from further exploitation.