Why did B’luru techie ask for help from Musk, Trump?

The suicide of 34-year-old Bengaluru techie, Atul Subhash, has sparked a nationwide conversation on men’s rights and systemic inequities in India’s legal framework. Subhash, who worked for a private firm, was found hanging in his Munnekolalu apartment on Monday, leaving behind a 24-page suicide note and a 90-minute video. His death comes amid allegations of persistent harassment by his estranged wife and in-laws, and frustration with a biased judicial system.

Allegations of Harassment

Subhash’s brother, Bikas Kumar, lodged a police complaint against his wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family, alleging they demanded Rs 3 crore to withdraw legal cases and Rs 30 lakh for visitation rights to Subhash’s son. “Every time Atul attended court, he was mocked by his in-laws and told to die if he couldn’t pay,” Kumar told police.

In his video message, Subhash stated, “It is better for me to end my life as the money I earn only strengthens my enemies. The courts and police harass me using my own money.”

Also Read: Bengaluru executive commits suicide after sending 24-page email to NGO, blaming unending harassment by wife

Social Media Post Goes Viral

Before taking his life, Subhash posted a message on X (formerly Twitter), tagging Elon Musk and US President-elect Donald Trump. “A legal genocide of men is happening in India currently. A dead man is requesting Elon Musk and Donald Trump to save millions of lives from woke ideologies, abortion, DEI, and restore freedom of speech in India,” he wrote.

Family’s Plea for Justice

Subhash’s family has voiced concerns over systemic failures and judicial bias. His father, Pawan Kumar, revealed that Subhash travelled to Uttar Pradesh at least 40 times for court hearings, enduring repeated accusations by his wife. “He told us the mediation court didn’t work by law. He must have been frustrated but never showed it,” Kumar said.

Also read: Atul Subhash suicide: After asking man to pay Rs 5 crore in an old divorce case, SC lists 8 factors to decide alimony

His brother, Bikas, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Every law in India is for women, not men. My brother fought against this but couldn’t survive the system. Justice must prevail, or provide evidence proving him wrong.”

Structured Plans Before Suicide

Reports indicate Subhash meticulously planned his final actions, dividing tasks into three categories: “Before Last Day,” “Last Day,” and “Execute Last Moment.” His checklist included backing up data, clearing payments, informing lawyers, and sending final messages. He emailed his allegations against a family court judge to the High Court and Supreme Court before sharing goodbye messages with friends and family.

Jackson, a close friend of Subhash, revealed the techie faced immense stress due to nine legal cases filed by his wife. “In his video, he didn’t seem depressed, but rather frustrated with the system. He wanted to highlight the bias against men,” Jackson said. Subhash had previously cared for his wife during her COVID-19 illness, only to face separation and denial of access to his child.

Subhash’s case has reignited debates on gender bias in laws and men’s mental health. His death underscores the urgent need for reforms in family law and better mental health support systems. As his brother stated, “If such tragedies continue, the system will lose credibility.”

Police Investigation Underway

The Marathahalli police have registered a case of abetment to suicide against Subhash’s wife and her family. Investigations are ongoing, and Subhash’s family has called for action against the judge named in his suicide note.

Allegations claim Subhash was pressured to pay Rs 3 crore to withdraw legal cases and Rs 30 lakh for visitation rights to his son. Before his death, Subhash shared a video message and a 24-page note detailing the events leading to his despair.

In the video, Subhash cited financial strain: “It is better for me to end my life as the money that I am earning is only making my enemies stronger as I have to pay them, and the same money will be used to destroy me. This cycle will keep continuing. With my own money that I pay as taxes, the courts and the police system will harass both me and my family members along with other people. The supply of the value should be cut. Anyway, they (in-laws) have been suggesting to me to commit suicide.”

The note also accused a family court judge in Uttar Pradesh, where the divorce and custody cases were heard, of bias. He requested his wife and in-laws be barred from his funeral and that his last rites be delayed until they face justice. “Despite all these, if the accused are allowed to go scot-free, just dump my ashes into a gutter near the court. This way, I can know how life is valued in this country,” he wrote, apologizing to his parents for not caring for them in their old age.

(With inputs from TOI)