A Tragic Passing Triggers a Feud
Sunjay Kapur, the chairman of the prominent auto components firm Sona Comstar, tragically passed away at the age of 53 during a polo match in the United Kingdom. Reports indicate that his death was caused by cardiac arrest, with some speculation suggesting an allergic reaction after ingesting a bee. His unexpected demise has sparked a fierce succession dispute within the Kapur family.
Allegations of Coerced Signings
Following Sunjay’s death, his mother, Rani Kapur, has claimed that she was pressured into signing legal documents during her period of mourning. She asserts that she was unaware of the contents of the documents she signed and was engulfed in profound grief. Her sister, Mandhira Kapur, corroborated these claims, stating that their mother was taken behind closed doors on two occasions to sign papers while she was excluded from the process.
Swift Boardroom Moves Raise Eyebrows
Just weeks after Sunjay’s passing, significant decisions were made in the boardroom:
Priya Sachdev Kapur, Sunjay’s widow, was appointed as Non-Executive Director of Sona Comstar through Aureus Investments, a promoter entity holding over 28% of the stake.
Jeffrey Mark Overly, an independent director, was appointed as Chairman just days prior.
Rani Kapur had requested a delay in the AGM to facilitate a thorough review, but the company proceeded, heightening the family’s concerns regarding secrecy and timing.
Claims vs Company Response
Rani Kapur asserts that she is the sole heir to her late husband’s estate and the majority shareholder, challenging the validity of the documents she signed.
The company contests this assertion, stating that Rani Kapur has not held shares since 2019 and that Sunjay Kapur was the exclusive beneficial owner of the RK Family Trust, which governs the stakes.
Furthermore, the company maintains that all appointments and board decisions, including Priya’s induction, were executed in full legal compliance. It has also issued a cease-and-desist notice to Rani, accusing her of defamation.
Mandhira Kapur Voices Her Concerns
Mandhira has emerged as a prominent figure of dissent, asserting:
“My mother was confined to a room … she was coerced into signing documents to relinquish everything. “She maintains that their involvement is not driven by financial gain but is focused on safeguarding the family’s heritage, dismissing the notion that this situation revolves around inheritance disputes.
An Unforeseen Supporter
In an unexpected development, Karisma Kapoor, the former spouse of Sunjay, has received commendation from Mandhira for her role in maintaining family cohesion during this tumultuous period, despite lacking any financial interest in the enterprise.
The ongoing dispute involving Sona Comstar transcends a mere corporate disagreement—it represents a clash of sorrow, heritage, and corporate influence. The lack of effective succession planning has transformed a familial tragedy into a highly visible confrontation. As legal actions intensify, this case reveals the vulnerability of multi-billion-dollar enterprises when business priorities intersect with personal grief.