Suicide of Atul Subhash


Atul Subhash was a software engineer and artificial intelligence professional from Bengaluru, India, who was found dead in his apartment at Marathahalli, having died by suicide by hanging. The incident sparked discussions about various issues related to matrimonial disputes in India, including the country's dowry laws, the judicial system, and mental health.

Background

Marriage and divorce

Subhash was originally from Bihar and was involved in a divorce and custody dispute with his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania. The couple, married in 2019, lived separately for three years and had a four-year-old son together. Allegations of harassment, extortion, and financial demands marked the divorce proceedings. Before his death, Subhash left behind a 24-page document and an 81minute video recording. In these documents, he expressed his concerns and grievances regarding his divorce and custody case.

Court proceedings

Subhash's note contained allegations that his in-laws had requested a settlement of ₹30million as part of the divorce proceedings. He was denied visitation rights to see his son unless he complied with these financial demands. The legal proceedings included multiple accusations against him, including domestic violence and dowry harassment. He also stated that the legal system, that it was biased, particularly Section498A of the Indian Penal Code, which aims to protect women from domestic violence and dowry-related harassment.
He also accused the Jaunpur District Court judge, Reeta Kaushik, of asking for a 5lakh bribe to settle the case, and taunting him into committing suicide when he refused.

Aftermath

Subhash left behind a suicide note titled "This ATM has been closed permanently", which became a rally cry for victims of the Legal System in India, and allowed them to seek help from men's rights organizations such as the Save Indian Family Foundation.
The death of Subhash led to widespread discussion and debate about the rights of men in India. Some advocates argued that reforms are needed in the family law system, citing concerns about potential misuse of existing laws. A police investigation was conducted, and Singhania and several family members were charged under related to abetment to suicide. The Bengaluru Court granted them bail in December 2024.
Atul's case also resulted in attention to various similar men who committed suicides after judicial abuse, such as Suresh Sathadiya, Nitin Padiyar, and Puneet Khurana. Among Hindu nationalist circles, it sparked a massive online backlash against feminism.