The heartbreaking story of Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old software engineer, who took his own life on Monday, has triggered widespread outrage and discussions about legal biases in marital disputes. Atul left behind a 24-page suicide note and an 81-minute video alleging harassment and extortion by his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family. A placard reading “justice is due” was found near his body at his Bengaluru residence.
Atul’s parents have spoken out about the immense stress he endured, traveling over 40 times between Bengaluru and Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur for court hearings. “They tortured my son, they tortured us too,” his mother said. His father added, “He told us the court did not follow the law or guidelines of higher courts. He faced false cases and constant harassment.”
Atul’s brother, Bikas Kumar, filed a police complaint against Nikita Singhania, her mother Nisha, her brother Anurag, and her uncle Sushil, leading to a case of abetment to suicide. The Bengaluru police are set to investigate and have announced plans to question the Singhania family.
Allegations in the Suicide Note
Atul detailed the collapse of his marriage, which began in 2019 after meeting Nikita on a matchmaking website. The couple had a son in 2020, but tensions arose when, according to Atul, her family began demanding significant sums of money. In 2021, Nikita left him with their child, and the following year, she filed multiple legal cases against him, including serious allegations of dowry harassment and unnatural sex.
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Atul refuted the claims, citing inconsistencies such as her father’s health history contradicting accusations related to his death. He claimed the cases were withdrawn after their demands for settlement escalated from Rs 1 crore to Rs 3 crore.
“Systemic Bias and Legal Harassment”
In his note, Atul accused the judicial system of enabling harassment through bias. He recounted an exchange where his wife allegedly mocked his frustration, saying, “Then why don’t you [die by suicide]?” He alleged that the judge not only dismissed his concerns but also demanded Rs 5 lakh to resolve the case.
Atul’s friend Jackson emphasized that the act stemmed from systemic harassment rather than personal depression. “He faced immense stress but acted out of frustration with a biased system,” Jackson said.
Calls for Reform
The tragedy has reignited debates over the misuse of laws intended to protect women. Atul’s brother appealed for an impartial investigation into the judiciary’s conduct. “Every law in India is for women, not for men. My brother fought this but left us helpless,” Bikas said.
Atul’s words in his suicide note have added fuel to these concerns: “The more I work hard, the more I and my family will be harassed. The legal system encourages it. With me gone, there will be no money for them to extort.”
Investigation Underway
Bengaluru police are actively pursuing the case. While the Singhania family has refrained from public statements, their lawyer has promised a response. As the investigation unfolds, Atul’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the need for equitable justice and support for those battling legal and emotional harassment.
