Café owner dies by suicide amid divorce dispute with wife

A 40-year-old café owner, Puneet Khurana, allegedly died by suicide at his residence in Model Town here on Tuesday. The police received a call about the incident at 4.18 pm and found Khurana’s body on the bed with ligature marks on his neck.

Puneet co-owned the popular Woodbox Café with his wife, Manisha Jagdish Pahwa. The couple, married in 2016, had been living separately for two years and were in the midst of a contentious divorce, primarily over business disputes.

The deceased’s family has accused Manisha and her family of harassment, alleging they mentally pressured him. Puneet’s sister told mediapersons that he recorded a video before his death, detailing the harassment. She claimed Manisha and her family taunted him, saying, “You can’t do anything. Die by suicide if you dare”, and threatened to evict his parents.

The family said the couple had previously agreed in writing during the divorce proceedings that Puneet would manage their bakery business, For God’s Cake, while Manisha would retain Woodbox Café. Despite the agreement, disputes reportedly persisted.

Puneet’s mother demanded justice, accusing Manisha of pushing her son to take the extreme step. The police have seized Puneet’s phone and other evidence for investigation.

DCP (Northwest) Bhisham Singh said, “The body was found with ligature marks. Further inquiry is underway.”