In a heart-wrenching case, a Bengaluru techie’s suicide and 24-page note reveal harrowing allegations of harassment by his estranged wife, her family, and a judicial system he felt failed him.
Senior Executive Ends Life, Leaves Behind Explosive Allegations
A 34-year-old tech professional, Atul Subhash, originally from Uttar Pradesh, was found dead in his residence in Bengaluru’s Manjunath Layout on Monday. The senior executive at a private firm left behind a 24-page suicide note, a recorded video, and a placard that read, “Justice is Due.” Subhash’s death has spotlighted the devastating effects of marital disputes and a justice system some feel is stacked against the accused in cases of domestic violence.
Neighbors discovered Subhash hanging in his flat after breaking in early Monday morning. Police confirmed the flat was bolted from the inside. The death note detailed years of alleged harassment, false accusations, and extortion demands by his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family. Subhash also accused a family court judge in Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur of corruption and bias.
Allegations of Harassment and False Cases
Subhash’s note and video painted a disturbing picture of his life after his 2019 marriage to Nikita, which began through a matrimonial website. By 2021, the relationship had soured, and Nikita left their Bengaluru home with their son. According to Subhash, her family repeatedly demanded exorbitant sums, starting with ₹10 lakh and later escalating to ₹3 crore, to settle disputes.
In his note, Subhash alleged that his wife filed nine cases against him and his family, ranging from dowry demands to murder and unnatural sex. He claimed these were false accusations aimed at extorting money. One case involved the death of Nikita’s father, which she attributed to harassment by Subhash, even though, as he noted, her father had long-term health issues.
“The more I work hard and become better at my work, the more I and my family will be harassed and extorted,” Subhash wrote in his letter. He also alleged that during court proceedings, Nikita mocked his emotional distress, reportedly saying, “Then why don’t you [die by suicide]?” Subhash claimed the judge laughed at this remark and dismissed his concerns.
Accusations Against the Judicial System
Subhash’s grievances extended to the judicial process itself. He accused a family court judge of bias and bribery, claiming he was pressured to pay ₹5 lakh to “settle the case.” In his video, he criticized the justice system, calling it a “legal genocide of men.” He also pleaded with authorities to stop harassing his family, saying, “Now, with me gone, there won’t be any money, and there won’t be any reason to harass my old parents and my brother.”
Subhash included a message to his four-year-old son, whom he claimed had been kept away from him since 2021. He requested his parents be given custody of the child.
Family’s Plea for Justice
Subhash’s brother, Bikas Kumar, has filed a police complaint for abetment of suicide against Nikita, her mother Nisha Singhania, her brother Anurag Singhania, and her uncle Sushil Singhania. He also demanded an investigation into the allegations against the Jaunpur judge.
“My brother did everything for her. Whatever has happened was unfortunate. If he had discussed it with me or our father, we would have helped him escape this situation,” Bikas Kumar told reporters. He urged the government to investigate the allegations and deliver justice.
Prepared for His Final Act
Subhash meticulously planned his final actions. He emailed his death note to multiple recipients, shared it in a WhatsApp group of an NGO he was associated with, and uploaded his video to social media, tagging prominent figures such as Elon Musk and Donald Trump.
In his post, Subhash wrote: “I will be dead when you read this. A legal genocide of men is happening in India. A dead man is requesting Elon Musk and Donald Trump to save millions of lives from woke ideologies.”
The police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating the abetment allegations. A senior officer confirmed that the 24-page note is a crucial part of their probe.
A Cry for Change
Subhash’s death is a grim reminder of the emotional toll unresolved marital disputes and allegations can take. His note, a desperate plea for justice, underscores the need for systemic reforms to address both false accusations and legitimate grievances.
Authorities are urging anyone experiencing emotional distress to seek help. Mental health challenges, particularly those arising from legal disputes and personal relationships, require timely intervention and support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to a helpline. In India, call AASRA at 91-22-27546669 or 91-22-27546667. Suicide prevention starts with a conversation.