The mother of Atul Subhash, a Bengaluru-based engineer who tragically died by suicide on December 9, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking custody of her four-year-old grandson. Anju Modi’s habeas corpus plea highlights the uncertainty surrounding the child’s whereabouts, amid allegations of harassment and false accusations against Subhash’s wife and her family.
In her petition, Anju Modi contends that Subhash’s estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family have obstructed efforts to locate the boy. Despite claims from Nikita that the child is enrolled in a Faridabad boarding school and in the custody of her uncle, Sushil Singhania, Sushil has denied any knowledge of the child’s location.
The Supreme Court bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice N Kotiswar Singh has issued notices to the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Karnataka, seeking clarity on the child’s status. The next hearing is scheduled for January 7.
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Arrests and Legal Proceedings in Suicide Case
Nikita Singhania, her mother Nisha Singhania, and brother Anurag Singhania were arrested on December 16 in connection with Subhash’s suicide. Karnataka Police cited evidence from Subhash’s suicide note and video, which accused his wife and in-laws of harassment and abetment of suicide. The trio is currently in judicial custody.
The case has also seen developments involving Nikita’s uncle, Sushil Singhania, who sought anticipatory bail from the Allahabad High Court. Senior counsel Manish Tiwary argued that accusations against Sushil were exaggerated and pointed to his advanced age and chronic health conditions. Justice Ashutosh Srivastava granted pre-arrest bail with strict conditions, including a personal bond of Rs 50,000, mandatory police interrogation availability, and passport surrender.
Subhash’s Family Demands Justice
Subhash’s family alleges that Nikita and her family subjected him to false legal cases and financial demands, leading to his suicide. His father, Pawan Kumar, and brother, Bikas Kumar, have taken a firm stand, refusing to immerse Subhash’s ashes until justice is served.
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“The others behind this incident should also be arrested. We will not get justice till all false cases registered against us are withdrawn. We will not immerse the ashes of my brother till we get justice. Our fight will continue,” said Bikas Kumar.
The family has also raised serious concerns about the child’s safety. “I am equally concerned about my nephew. His safety is a matter of serious concern for us. We have not seen him in recent photographs. I want to know his whereabouts through the media. We want his custody as early as possible,” Bikas added.
Legal and Emotional Turmoil Continues
The case underscores the deep legal and emotional challenges in family disputes, particularly when children’s welfare is involved. As the Supreme Court deliberates the petition, questions about the safety and well-being of the child remain paramount.
The next few weeks will be critical as authorities from multiple states respond to the Supreme Court’s directive, potentially providing answers to a family desperately seeking closure and justice.
