Less than a week before Delhi’s renowned cafe owner Puneet Khurana died by suicide, his estranged wife and business partner, Manika Pahwa, shared a cryptic social media post. The post alleged “toxicity and narcissistic abuse” and celebrated her newfound “freedom.” The couple, co-owners of the popular Woodbox Cafe, had been going through a contentious divorce.
Khurana, 40, was discovered hanging in his room in Model Town’s Kalyan Vihar area on New Year’s Eve. It has been reported that he spoke to Pahwa the night before his death, recording a conversation where the two argued over business-related issues.
Accusations and Cryptic Social Media Post
In a post shared six days prior to the incident, Pahwa wrote about her healing journey from “toxicity and narcissistic abuse.” Without naming anyone directly, she referenced higher powers deciding the fate of her “abusers” and expressed her belief in virtues like kindness and respect over material wealth.
“Well feminism suits me, as idealistic values are my core & feminism means giving & getting mere respect. To one another. No slave treatment, and no stopping some girl to speak her mind (sic),” she wrote.
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She further described her abusers as “insecure cowards” and prayed for them to “see the mirror someday.”
Family’s Allegations Against Pahwa
Khurana’s family has pointed fingers at Pahwa, alleging that she instigated him to take his own life.
“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’,” his sister said. She further claimed that Khurana left a video detailing the mental pressure he faced.
The family alleged that Pahwa repeatedly demanded a share of the business beyond what was agreed upon during the divorce proceedings.
Business Disputes and Divorce Agreement
The couple had been separated for two years and had a court-mediated agreement regarding their businesses. According to the arrangement, Khurana was to manage “For God’s Bakery” while Pahwa retained “Woodbox Cafe.” However, Khurana’s family alleged that she continued to demand a share from his portion of the business.
“Even after it was decided in court, she kept calling him and demanding her share,” Khurana’s sister said.
Silent Suffering
Khurana’s mother expressed anguish over her son’s silent suffering.
“He would not say anything openly to us, thinking we 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,” she said.
Khurana’s family has filed a police complaint seeking action against Pahwa and her family. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death and the allegations of harassment.
This tragic incident has cast a shadow over the once-thriving partnership that brought Woodbox Cafe into prominence. It also raises questions about the intersection of personal relationships and professional endeavors, highlighting the emotional toll that unresolved conflicts can have on individuals.
