Manika Pahwa’s Instagram post hinted at “narcissistic abuse” and “healing,” just days before her husband Puneet Khurana died by suicide amid marital and business disputes.
January 2, 2025: New Delhi: Less than a week before Delhi cafe owner Puneet Khurana died by suicide, his estranged wife and business partner, Manika Pahwa, shared a cryptic Instagram post about “toxicity and narcissistic abuse.” The couple, co-owners of the popular Woodbox Cafe, were in the midst of a bitter divorce and ongoing business conflict.
Also Read: “Dared Him To Die”: Delhi Cafe Owner’s Family Blames Wife After Suicide
Puneet Khurana, 40, was found hanging in his room in Delhi’s Model Town’s Kalyan Vihar area on New Year’s Eve. Hours before his death, he reportedly had an intense phone conversation with Manika, which was recorded. In the audio, the two were heard arguing about their business dealings.
Also Read: Delhi Café Owner Dies by Suicide Amid Divorce and Business Dispute with Wife
The Cryptic Social Media Post
In an Instagram post six days before the incident, Manika wrote about “toxicity” and “narcissistic abuse.” She claimed to be healing and spoke about moving on from a troubled phase in her life.
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“After all the toxicity and narcissistic abuse, I am healing well. Higher powers will decide what’s best for my abusers,” she wrote. Without naming anyone, she continued, “Respect is not something you earn; it should be given to everyone.”
Manika further described her abusers as “insecure cowards” and emphasized that kindness and love are more valuable than money and property.
“God bless the unkind ones. Nobody should suffer because of a bunch of insecure cowards. I am free, and the beautiful ruins are part of me,” she concluded.
Family’s Allegations Against Manika
After Puneet’s death, his family accused Manika and her family of mentally torturing and harassing him. His sister alleged that Manika had “instigated him” and frequently “abused and pressured him over business disputes.”
“Manika, her parents, and her sister stressed him out. They told him, ‘You can’t do anything, die by suicide if you dare.’ Puneet recorded a video before his death, where he explained everything,” Puneet’s sister told ANI.
Business Dispute and Financial Strain
The couple reportedly had a formal agreement over their business split. Puneet was to manage ‘For God’s Bakery,’ while Manika retained control of ‘Woodbox Cafe.’ Despite the settlement, the family claims that Manika continued demanding a larger share.
“She kept demanding her share from the bakery business even after a court settlement. Instead of taking legal recourse, she kept calling him and creating stress,” said Puneet’s sister.
Puneet’s Mother Speaks Out
Puneet’s mother shared that her son rarely expressed his suffering to avoid distressing his parents.
“He swallowed his grief and suffered silently. My son was doing well, but the pressure and torture became unbearable for him,” she said tearfully.
Legal Action Initiated
Puneet’s family has filed a police complaint against Manika Pahwa and her family, demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to his death.
The police are currently examining Puneet’s phone, including recorded calls and videos, as part of their investigation.
The couple, married in 2016, had been separated for two years, with divorce proceedings ongoing.
This incident raises pressing concerns about mental health, emotional abuse in relationships, and the need for better conflict resolution mechanisms in marital disputes.
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Delhi Cafe Suicide, Puneet Khurana Case, Manika Pahwa, Toxic Relationship, Mental Health Awareness, Business Dispute, Suicide Prevention, Domestic Abuse, Family Allegations, Social Media Post, Woodbox Cafe Dispute, Legal Investigation, Delhi Crime News.
