News Brief
Arjun Brij
Dec 12, 2024, 11:25 AM | Updated 11:25 AM IST
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The tragic suicide of a 34-year-old tech professional, Atul Subhash, in Bengaluru has brought allegations of harassment, extortion, and abuse of law and authority to the main focus.
Subhash was found dead in his home on 9 December, leaving behind a 24-page suicide note and a placard that read “justice is due,” accusing his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family of driving him to take his life.
The note detailed claims of harassment, including physical and mental abuse, as well as financial demands from Nikita and her family during their ongoing divorce proceedings.
Atul’s brother, Bikas Kumar, filed a complaint with the Marathahalli police, leading to an FIR against Nikita and her family, who reside in Uttar Pradesh.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shivakumar confirmed the investigation, stating, “Atul Subhash committed suicide in the early hours of December 9. A complaint has been filed... alleging that his wife and her family demanded money from him and harassed him. Based on the complaint, an FIR has been registered, and an investigation is underway.”
Atul’s suicide note accused Nikita and her family of persistent financial demands, claiming that exorbitant sums were sought as alimony and maintenance.
The note expressed frustration with the justice system’s handling of marital disputes, saying, “The more I work hard and become better at my work, the more I and my family will be harassed and extorted.”
Atul further wrote that his death would alleviate the financial strain on his family, which he alleged was the primary motive for the harassment.
According to Bikas, the note also described repeated instances of mental and physical abuse, leaving Atul deeply distressed. The family has called for a thorough investigation to ensure justice for Atul.
Meanwhile, Nikita’s family strongly denying the claims made in the suicide note.
Her uncle, 70-year-old Sushil Singhania, who has been named in the FIR, stated, "I came to know from media reports that I have been named in the FIR. But I have no connection with this. The (divorce) case proceedings have been on for the past three years. Now suddenly this has happened. Our family is not guilty. The court will deliver its judgment."
He added that Nikita, who is currently away, would address all allegations upon her return.
"Subhash's allegations are baseless. Nikita is not here. Once she returns, she will respond to everything. She has an answer to every allegation they have made. I live separately. I am her uncle, but I don't have much information about the case. They have been handling it," he said.
The Bengaluru police have launched an investigation, dispatching teams to Uttar Pradesh to question Nikita and her family. Authorities are gathering evidence and statements from the accused parties to corroborate or refute the claims made in the suicide note.
The case has also reignited debates about the pressures faced by individuals caught in prolonged legal battles, particularly those involving family disputes and financial demands.
Atul’s note also criticised the justice system, claiming it had failed him in addressing his grievances and protecting him from harassment.
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Arjun Brij is an Editorial Associate at Swarajya. He tweets at @arjun_brij