Bengaluru: Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old tech professional from Bengaluru, ended his life after enduring months of emotional and legal torment. A skilled AI expert originally from Uttar Pradesh, Subhash’s suicide has sparked outrage and serious discussions surrounding the misuse of laws, systemic corruption, and the pressures men face in family disputes.
His death, on December 11, was preceded by meticulous planning, including a detailed 24-page suicide note, a 90-minute video, and a checklist outlining his final moments, as reported by various news channels.
Checklist
In the days leading up to his death, Atul Subhash had created a checklist to ensure everything was in order before he took his life. The checklist, titled “Before Last Day,” “Last Day,” and “Execute Last Moment,” was found on his wall. Among the tasks were:
Removing fingerprint and face recognition data from his phone
Organising his finances and backing up critical data
Leaving keys for his car, bike, and room on the fridge
Completing work-related commitments and submitting office equipment
Subhash had already completed the “Before Last Day” section, including legal preparations and securing his family’s finances. His final moments were marked by uploading his suicide note, clearing payments, and sending critical emails, as per reports.
What did the suicide note say?
Subhash’s suicide note sheds light on the emotional and legal torment he endured. He accused his wife, Nikita Singhania, of initiating multiple false legal cases against him, including charges of murder, dowry harassment, and unnatural sex. One of the cases involved accusations related to the death of her father in 2019, which Nikita initially claimed was due to dowry demands. However, during cross-examination, it was revealed that her father had died of a heart condition, and the charges were false.
Subhash also mentioned the financial pressure he faced, as Nikita allegedly demanded ₹3 crore in maintenance after their divorce. Furthermore, his wife and her family pressured him for money, including demands for lavish gifts and funds for a cloud kitchen.
Emotional plea
In his note, Subhash expressed deep pain over being kept away from his son. Addressing his child, he wrote, “When I first saw you, I thought I could give my life for you any day. But, sadly, I am giving my life because of you. Now, you just feel like blackmail, using which I will be extorted more and more.”
He ended his note with a plea for the live broadcast of his case hearings to highlight what he described as the “terrible state of the legal system” and to expose the misuse of laws in similar family disputes.
Instigation and systemic failure
Subhash also accused his wife of provocation, recounting an incident where she allegedly mocked him, asking why he hadn’t died by suicide yet. He recalled a heartbreaking moment during a court hearing when a judge laughed at his situation. This experience, along with the encouragement from his wife to take his own life, shattered his faith in the legal system.
“This incident, along with the instigation to commit suicide from my wife and the face of the laughing judge mocking my helplessness, has destroyed my faith in the legal system,” he wrote.
Public outrage
Subhash’s case has sparked widespread outrage, especially on social media, where many have demanded accountability. Some users have targeted Accenture, where Nikita works, urging the company to terminate her employment. One social media user posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “Dear Accenture, you have 24 hours to fire the murderer of Atul Subhash. Your time starts now.”
In response to the growing backlash, Accenture’s official X account was set to private.
Legal action
Following Atul Subhash’s death, Bengaluru police have registered an FIR for abetment of suicide against Nikita Singhania, her mother, brother, and uncle. The FIR was filed under sections 108 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, based on a complaint by Subhash’s brother, Bikas Kumar.
