Atul Subhash Suicide: Wife’s Extortion Demands Linked to Death, Claims Brother
Bengaluru, Dec 11: A tragic incident has unfolded in Bengaluru, where Atul Subhash, a Deputy General Manager at an automobile company, allegedly died by suicide on Monday. His brother, Bikas Kumar, has accused Subhash’s estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family of harassing him and making extortionate demands that pushed him to take this drastic step. Kumar claims that his brother was mentally and emotionally exhausted by a series of legal battles and financial extortions from his wife and her relatives.
The Accusations: Harassment and Financial Demands
Bikas Kumar has filed a police complaint alleging that Subhash’s wife and her family members had been constantly harassing him with unreasonable demands. Kumar accuses the family of demanding Rs 3 crore to drop the various legal cases against him, including charges of dowry harassment, murder, and unnatural sex. Additionally, he claims they sought Rs 30 lakh to allow Subhash visitation rights to meet his son. These demands, according to Kumar, were relentless and left Subhash feeling trapped in a situation he could not escape.
Background: A Troubled Marriage and Multiple Legal Cases
Atul Subhash, originally from Uttar Pradesh, married Nikita Singhania, a software professional, in 2019. However, the marriage quickly became strained, and the couple separated after a short period. Subhash was soon embroiled in a series of legal battles with his wife and her family. According to reports, Subhash faced at least nine criminal cases, including serious charges like murder, dowry harassment, and unnatural sex. Some of these cases also named his parents as co-accused.
In his complaint, Kumar noted that the mounting legal pressure had deeply affected Subhash’s mental health. “My brother has been mentally and physically drained since the court battles began. He was constantly mocked and told to die if he could not meet their demands,” Kumar said, emphasizing the toll the situation had taken on Subhash.
The Last Words: A Desperate Plea for Justice
Subhash left behind a chilling 24-page note detailing his torment. In his note, he alleged that a family court judge in Uttar Pradesh had been corrupt and had favored his in-laws, further complicating his situation. Subhash’s note also included a request that his wife and in-laws be barred from attending his last rites. He wrote that if justice was not served, his ashes should be dumped in a gutter near the court, serving as a grim reminder of how life is devalued in the country.
To further emphasize his despair, Subhash recorded an 81-minute video in which he wore a board that read, “Justice is Due.” The video, along with the note, painted a picture of a man who felt cornered, with no way out from the pressures placed on him by his estranged wife’s family.
A Family’s Despair: Subhash’s Brother Speaks Out
In an emotional statement to the media, Bikas Kumar condemned the alleged actions of his sister-in-law and her family. “He was troubled after the cases piled up against him without any evidence. He traveled between Bengaluru and Jaunpur at least 40 times just for the sake of attending court hearings,” Kumar said, revealing how Subhash was forced to endure numerous legal and emotional struggles.
Kumar also criticized the legal system, stating that “every law in India is for women and not for men.” He vowed to fight for justice, emphasizing the need for a legal reform that would prevent men from being unjustly targeted in marital disputes. “I will fight for justice so that it sends a strong message to society,” he said.
Police Investigation: Abetment to Suicide Charges Filed
Following the complaint filed by Bikas Kumar, the Marathahalli police in Bengaluru have initiated an investigation into the case. The charges against Nikita Singhania and her family members include abetment to suicide. Police are reportedly scrutinizing Subhash’s note, video, and the series of events leading up to his death. The family’s claims of harassment and financial extortion are also being investigated.
In India, abetment to suicide charges are serious and carry severe penalties. If the police find substantial evidence linking Subhash’s in-laws to his death, they could face legal consequences. The case has drawn attention to the challenges men face in marital disputes and has sparked discussions about legal reforms in family law.
A Tragic Reminder of the Mental Health Toll of Legal Battles
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the mental and emotional toll that prolonged legal battles, especially those involving family disputes, can have on individuals. The case has brought to light the issue of harassment within marriages and the role of financial demands in escalating conflicts.
The emotional and financial strain of legal proceedings can be overwhelming, and Subhash’s death highlights the need for more compassionate and balanced approaches to handling family disputes. Many legal experts advocate for alternative dispute resolution methods such as counseling, mediation, and arbitration to avoid the destructive consequences of prolonged court battles.
What Lies Ahead: Seeking Justice for Atul Subhash
Bikas Kumar has pledged to continue his fight for justice on behalf of his late brother. The family has demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Subhash’s suicide and the role his wife and in-laws played in pushing him to such a desperate state. As the investigation continues, the case has become a symbol of the challenges faced by men in marital disputes, especially when they are entangled in complex legal battles.
Subhash’s tragic death has brought attention to the need for reform in India’s family laws, ensuring that both men and women are treated fairly and justly in the eyes of the law. His family hopes that his death will not be in vain and that it will lead to a much-needed conversation about the emotional cost of legal conflicts in India.