NEW DELHI: A 40-year-old businessman, Puneet Khurana, died by suicide at his residence in northwest Delhi’s Model Town on Tuesday, with his family accusing his wife and in-laws of persistent harassment.
The deceased recorded a 59-minute video detailing the mental torture he endured before taking the extreme step.
Khurana, who ran a bakery and lived with his family in Kalyan Vihar, was found unresponsive in his bedroom with a ligature mark around his neck.
Police received a PCR call about the incident around 4.18pm on December 31 and shifted the body to BJRM Hospital for postmortem.
Family alleges harassment, demands justice
The deceased’s sister alleged that Khurana’s wife, along with her sister and parents, had mentally tortured him. “She, her sister, and her parents mentally harassed him. There’s a 59-minute video where he detailed the harassment. She even hacked his social media accounts,” she claimed.
Khurana’s mother also demanded justice, saying, “She (his wife) kept torturing him. We want justice for him.”
The family further revealed that Khurana had spoken to his wife on the night of December 30.
Their conversation, now with the police, revolved around divorce proceedings and property disputes.
Marital discord and divorce proceedings
Khurana and his wife were married in 2016 but started facing marital discord within two years. Six months ago, the couple initiated mutual divorce proceedings, which were still pending in court.
Sources revealed that a purported audio clip of their conversation had surfaced, showing an argument over business disputes. The wife allegedly accused Khurana of defaming her and her family, while he questioned her demands.
Controversial social media post, deleted later
Earlier, a social media post, shared by Khurana’s wife, surfaced online, alleging that she had been subjected to "toxicity and narcissistic abuse" in her marriage.
However, the post was deleted, raising further questions about the ongoing dispute.
Attempts to reach out to her for comment were unsuccessful, and the deleted post has added a layer of complexity to the case.
Police investigation underway
The police have taken Khurana’s phone, along with other related articles, for forensic examination. Deputy commissioner of police (Northwest) Bhisham Singh said the case is being probed by an ACP-level officer, and the autopsy report is awaited.
Khurana’s father, Trilok Nath Khurana, submitted the phone to the authorities, alleging that it contained crucial evidence, including the video recorded by the deceased. The family has also filed a formal complaint accusing the wife and her family of abetment to suicide.
“Investigations are ongoing, and statements from both families will be recorded. All aspects of the case are being examined,” a senior officer said.
Business disputes add to strain
Khurana’s family claimed that his wife had demanded a share in his business, further exacerbating tensions. In the purported audio clip, Khurana accused his wife of hacking his social media accounts and interfering in his business operations.
Union of personal, financial, and familial disputes is being closely scrutinized as part of the investigation.
Final words in video
Khurana’s 59-minute video, which includes specific allegations against his wife and in-laws, is expected to play a crucial role in the case. “The video outlines the harassment he faced, providing critical evidence for the probe,” an officer said.