A tragic incident unfolded in Delhi on New Year’s Eve when Puneet Khurana, co-owner of the popular Woodbox Café, died by suicide. The 40-year-old café owner was found hanging in his room in Model Town’s Kalyan Vihar area. Khurana and his estranged wife, Manika Pahwa, were going through a divorce and had ongoing disputes over their business and personal matters.
Less than a week before his death, Ms. Pahwa posted on social media about facing “toxicity and narcissistic abuse.” She shared that she was healing and described herself as “free.” Although she did not name anyone directly, her post seemed to refer to her relationship with Khurana, as the couple’s conflicts had been well known. In her Instagram post, Ms. Pahwa talked about the importance of respect and criticized her “abusers,” calling them insecure and unkind.
Family’s Allegations Against Manika Pahwa
Khurana’s family has blamed Ms. Pahwa and her relatives for his death, alleging that they mentally tortured and instigated him. According to Khurana’s sister, Ms. Pahwa, along with her family, pressured and threatened him, saying, “You can’t do anything; die by suicide if you dare.” The sister claimed that Khurana recorded a video before his death, detailing the harassment he endured.
The family said the couple had earlier decided to divide their businesses, Ms. Pahwa managing Woodbox Café and Khurana taking charge of For God’s Bakery. However, the sister alleged that despite the agreement, Ms. Pahwa kept demanding her share from the bakery.
Khurana’s mother added that her son suffered silently and did not share his troubles openly with them to avoid worrying his parents. She alleged that the constant disputes and pressure drove him to take this step.
Police Investigation Underway
The couple, married in 2016, had been separated for two years. Khurana’s family has filed a police complaint against Ms. Pahwa and her family, seeking justice for his death. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the exact circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
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