Delhi Café Owner Dies by Suicide Amid Divorce and Business Dispute with Wife

The co-owner of Woodbox Café was reportedly distressed over ongoing divorce proceedings and financial disagreements with his wife.

January 1, 2025: A 39-year-old Delhi café owner, Puneet Khurana, was found dead in his Model Town residence on Tuesday evening in what police suspect to be a case of suicide. Khurana, co-founder of the popular Woodbox Café, was reportedly struggling with emotional and financial stress stemming from a divorce and business dispute with his wife, Manika Jagdish Pahwa.

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The Conflict:

Khurana and Manika, who married in 2016, were embroiled in an ongoing divorce case while also being co-owners of their café business. In an audio recording accessed by NDTV, the couple can be heard in a heated argument regarding the business property and financial settlements. Manika is reportedly heard saying, “We are getting a divorce, but I am still a business partner…you need to clear my dues.”

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Investigation Underway:

The police have seized Khurana’s phone and have called his wife for questioning to further investigate the circumstances leading to his death. Officials revealed that Khurana appeared distressed over personal and professional disagreements in the days leading up to the incident.

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Parallels to Bengaluru Techie Suicide Case:

The case draws stark parallels to the Atul Subhash suicide case in Bengaluru, where a tech executive reportedly took his life after repeated harassment and financial demands during divorce proceedings. His 24-page suicide note highlighted his emotional and financial struggles, holding his wife and her family accountable.

In Atul Subhash’s case, his wife Nikita Singhania, along with her mother and brother, were later arrested and placed in judicial custody.

Rising Concerns Over Mental Health and Domestic Conflicts:

Both cases shed light on the mental health toll of prolonged marital disputes and financial disagreements. Experts urge the need for accessible mental health resources, stronger conflict resolution mechanisms, and legal safeguards to protect individuals navigating emotionally taxing situations.

The police continue their investigation into Puneet Khurana’s death, and further updates are awaited.

Tags: Puneet Khurana, Delhi Suicide Case, Business Dispute, Divorce Battle, Mental Health Awareness, Domestic Conflict, Woodbox Café