The unexpected death of industrialist Sunjay Kapur during a polo match in the UK has triggered a deep and escalating conflict between his mother, Rani Kapur, and his wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur at the heart of the dispute lies Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd (Sona Comstar), a global auto component giant valued at over ₹30,000 crore. The company’s leadership and control have become a matter of fierce contention, just weeks after Sunjay’s passing.
Mother Rani Kapur Alleges Duress and Suspicious Circumstances
Rani Kapur alleges that Sunjay died under “highly suspicious and unexplained circumstances” on June 12 while playing polo in Windsor, England. According to reports, a bee entered his mouth during the match, possibly triggering a heart attack.
She claims that after his death, she was emotionally vulnerable and forced to sign documents, the contents of which were never disclosed to her. In a letter to the company dated July 24, she expressed concern over efforts to “usurp the family legacy” while the family was still mourning.
Board Appoints Priya Sachdev Kapur, Rani Objects
Despite Rani’s objections, Sona Comstar held its AGM on July 25 and appointed Priya Sachdev Kapur as a Non-Executive Director. The company stated that Rani Kapur has not been a shareholder since 2019. Her opposition focused on the board’s resolution to appoint new directors, indirectly pointing at Priya.
The company responded by saying no documents were signed or obtained from Rani after Sunjay’s death. It also clarified that Priya’s appointment followed a nomination by Aureus Investments Private Ltd (AIPL), the corporate promoter of Sona Comstar.
Citing an Old Will, Claiming Majority Stake
Rani Kapur has cited a June 30, 2015, will of her late husband, Surinder Kapur, in which she is named sole beneficiary. She asserts this makes her the majority stakeholder in the Sona Group, including shares in Sona Comstar.
However, Sona Comstar, a public limited company since 2021, has 71.98% public shareholding and 28.02% promoter holding via AIPL. In May 2019, the company received a declaration naming Sunjay Kapur as the sole beneficial owner of RK Family Trust, a key shareholder of AIPL.
Leadership Restructured Post Sunjay’s Death
Following Sunjay’s death, the board appointed Jeffrey Mark Overly as chairman on June 23. Sunjay Kapur had a reported net worth exceeding ₹10,000 crore at the time of his death, according to Forbes.
He is survived by his third wife Priya, Mother Rani, three children—Samaira and Kiaan (with ex-wife Karisma Kapoor), and Azarias (with Priya)—and two sisters, Mandhira Kapur Smith and Superna Kapur Motwane.
