A tragic case of alleged domestic harassment has gripped the national capital after Puneet Khurana, a 40-year-old bakery owner, died by suicide on New Year’s Eve at his residence in Model Town’s Kalyan Vihar. Emerging CCTV footage and allegations by Khurana’s family have intensified the demand for justice, with the police now conducting a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The CCTV footage reportedly captures a heated argument between Khurana and his wife, Manika Pahwa, shortly before his death. The video, which has circulated widely online, shows the couple engaged in a tense exchange in an empty room. Pahwa is heard threatening Khurana, saying she has the contact details of his relatives and would disclose details about their disputes. Khurana, in response, appears calm but troubled.
Khurana’s cousin, Jitendra Khurana, expressed outrage over the incident. “In the CCTV, it’s clear how abusively she’s speaking while Puneet remained composed. He endured so much silently. This reflects the difference in values between generations,” he said.
In a separate video from October 2023, Khurana can be seen conversing with his father-in-law, Jagdish Pahwa, who allegedly offered ₹2 crore in exchange for a house—an offer he later withdrew. Khurana’s family claims this was one of many pressures exerted on him. They also allege that Jagdish Pahwa frequently threatened him.
Khurana’s mother, devastated by the loss of her son, shared that the couple’s relationship started well but deteriorated after the first year of marriage. “Sometimes it was about money, sometimes about their joint business, and other times family matters. Puneet never burdened us with his worries; he kept everything to himself. He endured it all silently,” she said.
Khurana’s sister added to the allegations, claiming that Manika Pahwa and her family subjected him to relentless harassment. “There is a 59-minute video recording where Puneet detailed the mental torture he faced. They even hacked his social media accounts and told him, ‘You can’t do anything—if you dare, die by suicide,’” she alleged.
The family’s anguish is compounded by claims that Pahwa’s actions directly led to Khurana’s tragic decision. “My son quietly endured everything. Yesterday, she tortured him so much that he took this step,” his mother said tearfully.
Delhi Police have seized Khurana’s phone and are examining the evidence, including the alleged 59-minute video and social media activity. The family’s allegations against Pahwa and her family are being closely scrutinized.
