A FIR has been filed against four individuals, including Atul Subhash’s wife, following his suic!de in Bengaluru on December 9, 2024. Subhash, a 34-year-old deputy general manager, left behind a detailed 24-page note and a 90-minute video alleging harassment, extortion, and corruption by his estranged wife, her family, and a judge in Uttar Pradesh. Deputy Commissioner of Police Shivakumar confirmed that Subhash’s death was linked to demands for money to settle legal disputes.
His brother, Bikas Kumar, lodged the complaint at Marathahalli police station, accusing them of demanding ₹3 crore for legal settlements and ₹30 lakh for visitation rights to see their son. The incident has sparked outrage on social media and raised questions about the treatment of men in domestic disputes.
A Disturbing Allegation of Harassment
Atul Subhash was discovered hanging in his flat at Manjunatha Layout, Bengaluru. His death has ignited discussions about mental health and the pressures faced by individuals embroiled in domestic disputes. In his suic!de note, Subhash accused his wife Nikita Singhania, her mother Nisha Singhania, brother Anurag Singhania, and uncle Sushil Singhania of persistent harassment. He claimed they filed multiple false cases against him after their divorce and demanded exorbitant sums for legal settlements. “Justice is due,” he wrote repeatedly in his note, underscoring his desperation for relief from the ongoing turmoil.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Shivakumar confirmed that Subhash’s suic!de was directly linked to harassment from his wife and her family. He stated, “Subhash d!ed due to harassment from his wife and in-laws, who demanded money to settle legal cases.” Bikas Kumar expressed profound concern over the systemic issues that led to his brother’s death. He revealed that after their separation, Nikita initiated numerous charges against Atul under various laws. “My brother fought for this but he left us,” Bikas lamented.
Background: A Legal Nightmare
The tragic events leading to Subhash’s suic!de stemmed from a tumultuous marriage that began in 2019. Following their separation, he faced relentless legal challenges initiated by his wife. His family disclosed that he had to travel to Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, approximately 40 times for court hearings related to these cases. Pawan Kumar, Subhash’s father, described the mediation process as flawed and lacking adherence to legal standards.
In his final messages, Subhash detailed the emotional toll these experiences took on him. He recorded an extensive video explaining his situation and sent it to a WhatsApp group associated with an NGO before his death. His plea for custody of his son was also a significant part of his note, where he expressed concern that his parents would provide better values than those offered by his estranged wife.
The Investigation: FIR Filed
The FIR against Subhash’s wife and her family members was lodged at Marathahalli police station under Section 108 (abetment of suic!de) and Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complaint alleges that the accused demanded ₹3 crore for settling legal disputes and ₹30 lakh to allow Subhash visitation rights to see his son. The police reported that they received a call about the suic!de at 6:00 am on December 9 and found Subhash’s body hanging from a ceiling fan after breaking into the locked flat.
Subhash’s suic!de note detailed instances of emotional distress caused by his wife’s demands and accusations. He recorded an 81-minute video explaining his situation before taking this drastic step. In addition to naming family members as perpetrators of harassment, he also implicated a family court judge from Jaunpur for not hearing him out and accused a court officer of taking bribes.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for a more balanced approach to family law in India that protects all individuals involved in domestic disputes. While it is crucial to support victims of domestic violence, it is equally important to ensure that men facing false allegations receive fair treatment within the judicial system. Atul Subhash’s story serves as a reminder of the profound impact that systemic issues can have on mental health and well-being. How can we foster a legal environment that prioritises fairness and justice for everyone? We invite our readers to share their thoughts and engage in this critical dialogue.
