Pune: Renuka Jakhar Khanna Accused Of Murdering Husband Had Earlier Assaulted Housemaid

Wanowrie, 29th November 2023: Renuka Jakhar Khanna accused of murdering her husband, Nikhil Khanna, had earlier assaulted their 22-year-old housemaid on November 11, an investigation by Pune police has found.

The young maid, employed by the Khanna family and residing with them, was reportedly assaulted by Renuka. Witnesses recalled seeing the maid distressed near the society’s main gate, prompting police intervention.

However, no formal complaint was lodged, and the issue was seemingly resolved following an agreement between Renuka, Nikhil, and the maid regarding pending salary payments, attributed initially to a disagreement over wages.

Testimonies from security personnel and witnesses affirmed the couple’s frequent quarrels. The incident on November 24 prompted Dr. Pushpraj Khanna, who hastened home upon receiving the news, bearing traces of blood, to seek aid from the building’s security guards. Despite initial hesitation, assistance was rendered, leading to Nikhil’s removal from the apartment. He was declared deceased upon arrival at the hospital.

Police authorities, delving into the case, revealed that Renuka acknowledged the events narrated by her father-in-law, Dr Pushpraj Khanna, regarding the sequence of events leading up to Nikhil’s tragic end.

A police officer involved in the investigation highlighted that Renuka admitted to engaging in a heated altercation with her husband on November 24 in their bedroom. She confessed that the conflict escalated, resulting in Nikhil falling to the floor. The altercation persisted as she allegedly pinned him down and inflicted repeated punches to his face in a fit of rage, ultimately causing fatal consequences. Notably, Nikhil was not deemed physically robust according to his friends and family.

Residents within the Ganga Satellite Housing Society expressed minimal familiarity with the Khannas, despite their prolonged stay. Neighbours mentioned the couple’s tendency to keep their windows shut, infrequent social interactions, and apparent isolation from community events. The tragic turn of events that culminated in Nikhil’s alleged assault and subsequent demise remained largely unnoticed by neighbours until police made a conspicuous appearance.