Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old Uttar Pradesh native residing in Bengaluru, passed away on Monday by committing suicide. He held the position of senior executive at a private company in Bengaluru. Police reports indicate that Subhash left behind a 24-page death note, detailing years of alleged harassment by his wife and her family, which may have contributed to his decision.

The incident occurred in the Manjunath Layout area of Marathahalli, where Subhash had been living alone after separating from his wife. According to police, his wife had recently filed a domestic violence case against him in Uttar Pradesh, which might have exacerbated his mental distress.

Subhash meticulously planned his final moments. He emailed his death note to several people and shared it in a WhatsApp group of an NGO he was associated with. He also displayed a placard in his home that read, "Justice is due." Furthermore, he also left instructions on a cupboard, detailing the location of a note, his car keys, and a list of tasks he had completed and those that were pending. These actions demonstrated his urgent need for his experiences to be acknowledged and understood.

Following Subhash's passing, the police filed a case of unnatural death and charges were brought against his wife and her relatives. The investigation is ongoing.

In a related development, Bengaluru police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Atul Subhash's wife, Nikita Singhania, and her relatives, alleging abetment of suicide under relevant sections of the law. The FIR was based on a complaint by Subhash’s brother, Bikas Kumar, who alleged that after Subhash’s divorce, the family had filed false charges against him and demanded on paying Rs 3 crore for settling the case. According to the complaint, Subhash's wife allegedly demanded ₹30 lakh in exchange for granting him visitation rights to their minor son.

Subhash and Nikita were married in 2019 and are parents to a son. According to the death note, Subhash described enduring years of emotional and financial harassment, including multiple legal cases filed against him. He accused his wife’s family of demanding money and using their child as a pawn in the disputes.

Before taking his life, Subhash recorded an 80-minute video in which he explained the pressures and injustices he felt, blaming the legal and police systems for his suffering. In the video, he expressed his belief that his efforts to earn a living only strengthened those who sought to destroy him, using the same money to perpetuate his torment. He also requested that his family prevent his wife and her relatives from being near his body after his death, urging them to throw his ashes into a court’s gutter if his alleged abusers were not held accountable.

Subhash’s death note also included requests regarding the custody of his son, which he hoped would be granted to his parents, believing they would provide better values and care. The note paints a grim picture of his emotional state, blaming his wife’s family for his misery.

In the aftermath of his death, police have launched a detailed investigation into the events leading to Subhash's tragic decision. While no arrests have been made so far, the authorities are carefully reviewing the allegations made in his death note and video.

Authorities are encouraging anyone experiencing emotional distress to reach out for support and assistance. If you or someone you know is struggling with difficult emotions, resources and support are available. In India, suicide prevention helplines include:

• Aasra (Mumbai): 022-27546669

• Sneha (Chennai): 044-24640050

• Sumaitri (Delhi): 011-23389090

• Jeevan (Jamshedpur): 065-76453841

• Pratheeksha (Kochi): 048-42448830

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)