Delhi bakery owner Puneet Khurana, 40, dies by suicide; family alleges psychological harassment by wife

New Delhi: In a shocking incident that has captured public attention, Puneet Khurana, a 40-year-old resident of Kalyan Vihar in Delhi, tragically took his own life on December 30. His lifeless body was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan at his home, leaving his family and friends devastated. The circumstances surrounding his death reveal a long-standing marital dispute with his wife, Manika, which had escalated over the past six to seven years. The couple had filed for divorce by mutual consent, yet their attempts to communicate only seemed to exacerbate their issues.

A Marriage in Turmoil

Puneet and Manika were married eight years ago in a lavish ceremony. Initially, their bakery business flourished, but tensions soon emerged. According to Puneet's mother, the couple's relationship deteriorated after about a year and a half. Despite efforts from family members to mediate, Manika reportedly insisted on pursuing a divorce. This decision marked the beginning of significant strain between the two.

Accusations of Abuse and Financial Manipulation

In the aftermath of Puneet's death, his family has accused Manika's family of mistreating him during their marriage. Puneet's mother recounted how her son endured relentless harassment from Manika and her relatives after the divorce proceedings began. They allegedly pressured him for money related to their joint business, which only intensified Puneet's distress. "My son was straightforward and had been suffering for six years," she lamented through tears.

The Final Days: A Disturbing Conversation

As the investigation unfolds, details of the couple's last conversation have surfaced. An audio recording reveals a heated exchange where Puneet confronted Manika about her actions, including hacking into his Instagram account. During this conversation, she accused him of infidelity and demanded repayment for alleged debts. The emotional toll of these interactions likely contributed to Puneet's state of mind leading up to his tragic decision.

Family Struggles: Property Disputes and Betrayal

Puneet’s sister, Leena, shed light on further complications involving property disputes with Manika’s family. She claimed that they deceived Puneet into selling a family home under false pretenses and failed to provide promised financial support afterward. This betrayal added to the mounting pressure on Puneet, ultimately culminating in his heartbreaking choice.

A Community in Mourning

The community is now grappling with the implications of this tragedy as discussions about mental health and domestic disputes gain momentum. Puneet’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the unseen struggles many face within relationships and the dire consequences that can arise from unresolved conflicts.