Bengaluru Man Dies by Suicide, Men's Rights Group Plans Supreme Court Plea

Bengaluru- An automobile company executive from Uttar Pradesh died by suicide in Bengaluru earlier this week, leaving behind a video and note alleging harassment by his wife and her family during their divorce proceedings. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed debate about men's rights in India, particularly within the context of divorce and child custody.

Atul Subhash, 34, was found dead in his Marathahalli apartment on Tuesday morning. He ended his life in his apartment in Marathahalli police station limits in the wee hours of Tuesday. Subhash left behind a 90-minute video and a 40-page-long death note detailing his experience, alleging “harassment” by his wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family.

According to Subhash's brother, Bikas Kumar, the family was demanding Rs 3 crore as a divorce settlement. Kumar alleges this demand was made in front of a judge, who allegedly laughed at the suggestion that Subhash end his life if he could not afford the amount.

“The wife made demands for money in front of the judge and told Atul that if he was not able to give the money, why doesn’t he end his life? The judge was laughing in the court over this statement. Is this not torture? Is this not mental harassment?”, Bikas Kumar told IANS in an interview.

Subhash's allegations extend to the legal system itself. In his video, he claims the Family Court Judge demanded Rs 5 lakh to settle the case. He also recounts facing extreme harassment due to the numerous court dates he had to attend over the past two years.

The Ekam Nyay Foundation, an organization advocating for men's rights, plans to approach the Supreme Court regarding the allegations. Deepika Narayan Bharadwaj, founder of the organization, believes the case raises serious concerns about the treatment of men in divorce cases and the potential for biased laws.

“This isn’t just a Bengaluru story but a story of every married man facing false accusations and exorbitant alimony demands in India," Bharadwaj told IANS. The organization will make a submission to the Chief Justice of India and Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court. Bharadwaj stated that “succour is needed for people who are killing themselves due to biased laws.”

Marathalli police have registered an FIR against Subhash’s wife and three other family members based on Bikas Kumar’s complaint. The FIR charges them with abetment to suicide under Sections 108, 3 (5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).