The tragic suicide of 34-year-old techie Atul Subhash in Bengaluru has escalated into a high-profile case, with allegations of harassment and extortion against his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family. A 24-page suicide note and an 81-minute video left by Atul have brought the family's ongoing divorce dispute into sharp focus.
Atul's note accuses Nikita and her family of subjecting him to mental and financial harassment during their divorce proceedings, demanding exorbitant sums of money as alimony and maintenance. His brother, Bikas Kumar, lodged a formal complaint at the Marathahalli police station, resulting in an FIR against Nikita, her mother Nisha, brother Anurag, and uncle Sushil Singhania.
Uncle Denies Allegations
Responding to the accusations, Sushil Singhania, named in the FIR, denied any involvement. "I have learned through media reports that I am an accused, but I have no connection with this. The divorce proceedings have been ongoing for three years. Our family is not guilty, and the court will decide the matter," said the 70-year-old. He added that Nikita has all the answers to the allegations and will clarify the matter upon her return.
Police Investigation
A police team visited the Singhania residence in Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur amid local uproar. However, officers clarified their visit was to ensure the family's safety. Meanwhile, Bengaluru police have stated that investigations are underway, including questioning of the accused family members.
The Suicide Note's Revelations
Atul detailed a timeline of events, starting with his 2019 marriage to Nikita, whom he met through a matchmaking platform. The couple had a son in 2020, but their relationship soured in 2021 when Nikita allegedly left their Bengaluru home with the child after repeated financial disputes.
The note also alleges that Nikita's family initially demanded ₹1 crore to settle the case, later increasing the amount to ₹3 crore. Atul claimed that Nikita filed multiple legal cases against him, including allegations of dowry harassment and unnatural offenses. He dismissed these accusations, citing a prior court confession by Nikita that her father had a long-term illness, contrary to her claim that his death resulted from dowry harassment.
Atul's note also highlights his frustration with the judicial system. He accused a judge of laughing at his plight and claimed he was pressured to pay ₹5 lakh to resolve the matter. In a powerful critique of the legal process, he wrote, "The legal system encourages and supports my harassers... With me gone, there won’t be any reason to harass my family anymore."
Harassment Allegations Rejected
The Singhania family has denied all allegations, calling Atul's claims baseless. Former deputy CM of Delhi and Nikita's relative, Manish Sisodia, said the accusations are an attempt to tarnish the family’s image.
Systemic Criticism
Atul's death has reignited debates over the handling of marital disputes and the alleged misuse of laws to file false cases. His note and video have sparked widespread discussions on the pressures faced by men in similar situations, with many demanding reforms to ensure fairness in such cases.
The investigation continues, with Bengaluru police collecting evidence and questioning involved parties. Both sides await further legal proceedings to determine the truth behind the tragic incident.Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old techie, was found dead at his Bengaluru home