In a tragic incident, 34-year-old software engineer Atul Subhash from Uttar Pradesh died by suicide at his residence in Bengaluru’s Manjunath Layout. The techie, employed at a private firm, left behind a 24-page handwritten suicide note and a 1.5-hour-long video accusing his estranged wife and her family of harassment and filing false legal cases against him.
Details of the Incident
The incident came to light early Monday morning when Subhash was found hanging in his home. His younger brother, Bikas Modi, revealed that Subhash had been battling immense legal and emotional pressure, including demands for an exorbitant Rs. 3 crore settlement.
“I received a call at 2:50 am from an unknown number. Initially, I thought it was a prank, but upon checking my messages, I found alarming texts and emails from my brother,” said Modi.
Despite attempts to seek help, the police initially hesitated to break into Subhash’s house, thinking he was away since his vehicle wasn’t in the parking area. When they finally entered, they discovered his lifeless body.
Harassment Allegations and Legal Battles
Subhash’s 24-page note, titled “Justice is Due,” detailed the struggles he faced due to alleged corruption and harassment by his wife’s family. Modi shared that his brother had been implicated in nine to ten false cases, which drained him financially and emotionally.
“He was being constantly harassed with demands and false accusations. For someone working in Bengaluru, traveling frequently to Uttar Pradesh for court cases was not feasible. These demands and pressures pushed him to the brink,” said Modi.
A Cry for Justice
In his final note, Subhash expressed his last wish that, should he not receive justice, his ashes should be scattered in the canal in front of the court. Modi emphasized the family’s determination to seek justice for his brother.
“The current laws, while well-intentioned, are often misused. My brother was a victim of this misuse. The demand for Rs. 40,000 maintenance for a 4-year-old studying in UP was unreasonable. The system failed him,” Modi said.
Support and Advocacy
The Save Indian Family Foundation, a men’s rights group, was among the first to alert the police about the situation. Advocates for men’s rights have reiterated the need for reforms to ensure a balance in laws addressing domestic disputes and divorce cases.
Broader Implications
This tragic incident has reignited discussions about the mental health struggles faced by men and the societal stigma around seeking help. Advocates argue for greater awareness and reforms to protect individuals from undue harassment in legal disputes.
As the family grieves their loss, their focus remains on ensuring that Subhash’s death leads to meaningful changes in the system.
Conclusion
The untimely death of Atul Subhash is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by individuals navigating complex personal and legal battles. While his story has sparked a call for justice, it also underscores the importance of creating a balanced and supportive legal system that prevents such tragedies in the future.