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Suicide of Atul Subhash
Suicide of an Indian engineer From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Atul Subhash (1990 – died 9 December 2024) 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.[1] 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.[2]
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Marriage and divorce
Subhash was originally from Uttar Pradesh[3] and was involved in a divorce and custody dispute with his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania.[4] The couple, married in 2019, lived separately for three years, and had a four-year-old son together.[5] Allegations of harassment, extortion, and financial demands marked the divorce proceedings. Before his death, Subhash left behind a 24-page document and an 81‑minute video recording. In these documents, he expressed his concerns and grievances regarding his divorce and custody case.[6]
Court proceedings
Subhash's note contained allegations that his in-laws had requested a settlement of ₹30 million (approximately $350,000 US dollars) as part of the divorce proceedings.[7] 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.[8] He also stated that the legal system, that it was biased, particularly Section 498A 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 5 lakh bribe to settle the case, and taunting him into committing suicide when he refused.[9]
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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[10] from human rights organizations such as Save Indian Family Foundation.
The death of Subhash led to widespread discussion and debate about the rights of men in India.[11] Some advocates argued that reforms are needed in the family law system, citing concerns about potential misuse of existing laws.[12] A police investigation was conducted, and Singhania and several family members were charged under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to abetment to suicide.[13][14] The Bengaluru Court granted them bail in December 2024.[15][16]
Atul's case also resulted in attention to various similar men who committed suicides after judicial abuse, such as Suresh Sathadiya,[17] Nitin Padiyar,[18] and Puneet Khurana.[19]
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See also
References
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