By Sushil Kutty
The shocking news has emerged: tech professional Atul Subhash, 34, took his own life, leaving behind a haunting message, “Justice Is Due.” His tragic decision was detailed in a 24-page suicide note and an audio-visual message where he accused his estranged wife and her family of driving him to this desperate act. While no one helped him hang himself, he firmly held his wife, Ankita Singhania, along with her relatives, responsible for his torment.
On Monday, Atul hanged himself in his home in Bengaluru, prompting the police to file a case of abetment to suicide against Ankita, her mother Nisha, brother Anurag, and an uncle named Sushil. This followed a disturbing incident where a judge reportedly dismissed Atul’s pleas for help with laughter, further highlighting the grave emotional distress he faced.
Atul’s family is devastated; his parents are inconsolable, with his mother fainting upon the news. His father lamented that Atul was not the kind of person to take such a drastic step—he was independent and strong-willed.
It appears there was significant provocation and potential complicity that contributed to his suicide, which raises serious questions. Disturbingly, even the act of taking one’s own life is treated as a crime. Following this dramatic event, both Atul and Ankita now face legal proceedings.
Yet, the manner in which the Bengaluru police are handling the situation raises eyebrows. If roles were reversed, and a man had pushed a woman to such despair, one can only imagine the swift response from law enforcement. It seems that societal biases may unfairly tip the scales of justice.
This situation bears unsettling similarities to certain predatory behaviors observed in the animal kingdom, specifically where female species sometimes consume their male counterparts post-mating. Notably, Ankita left Atul after giving birth to their son, moving back to her mother’s house in Jaunpur, leaving Atul feeling like nothing more than an ATM to fulfill her financial demands.
During their marriage, Atul was subjected to numerous allegations of dowry harassment and domestic violence. Tragically, even his father-in-law’s death from cancer was attributed to him under stressful circumstances, a reflection of the intense manipulation he faced. It became clear that Ankita intended to exert control over their relationship, with her financial expectations growing larger over time.
Atul found himself trapped in a legal nightmare, making frequent trips from Bengaluru to Jaunpur as he battled against relentless legal disputes. This relentless cycle drained him emotionally and financially, exacerbating his feelings of hopelessness.
According to friends, Atul was earning a substantial income of Rs 14 lakh per month but had begun contemplating suicide as early as July 2024, suggesting he had felt cornered for some time. His writings prior to his death indicate a strong desire for retribution against those he felt had wronged him.
In the wake of his death, one must ask whether justice will ultimately prevail. Will the judge who ridiculed Atul’s plight face any repercussions? Will Ankita and her family be brought to account for their role in his tragic end? Reports indicate that Ankita has lost her job, potentially leading her to face the financial consequences of her actions.
Atul’s death raises critical questions about the misuse of laws related to dowry and domestic violence, prompting the Supreme Court to remind judicial authorities across India to consider several socio-economic factors in such cases. These factors include the financial status of both parties, living standards, and the future needs of children.
Though Atul Subhash may no longer be here, the questions surrounding his death endure, leaving behind a legacy of pain and unanswered questions, particularly for those who contributed to his suffering. The tragedy highlights the wastefulness of suicide and serves as a grim reminder of the societal issues that often go unaddressed. (IPA Service)
