The tragic suicide of 34-year-old Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash has sent shockwaves across India, igniting a firestorm of debate and controversy. Subhash, a native of Uttar Pradesh, was found dead at his residence in Manjunath Layout, Bengaluru, leaving behind a poignant 24-page suicide note and an emotionally charged 80-minute video that has since gone viral on social media. The note details harrowing allegations of relentless harassment at the hands of his wife, her family, and even a judge based in Uttar Pradesh. A placard reading “Justice is due” was found alongside his body, underscoring the gravity of his despair.
Subhash’s video, a heart-wrenching testament to his final hours, captures his agonizing struggle. He articulates his despair, stating, “I feel that I should kill myself because the money I earn is making my enemies stronger. That same money will be used to destroy me, and this cycle will keep going. With the money from my taxes, this court and police system will harass me, my family, and other good people. So, the supply of value should be finished.” This statement powerfully illustrates the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness that drove him to this tragic act.
Adding fuel to the already intense situation, Bollywood actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut weighed in on the incident. While acknowledging the heartbreaking nature of Subhash’s video, Ranaut controversially asserted that men are at fault in the vast majority of marital disputes. She stated, “The entire country is in shock. His video is heartbreaking … Fake feminism is condemnable. Extortion of crores of rupees was being done… In 99 percent of marriage cases, it’s the men who are at fault. That’s why such mistakes also happen.” Her comments have sparked significant backlash, with many criticizing her generalization and minimizing the severity of domestic abuse against men.
Following a complaint filed by Subhash’s family, the Bengaluru police have registered a case of abetment of suicide against his wife and her family members. A senior police officer confirmed that the allegations are being thoroughly investigated, but no arrests have been made yet. Subhash’s demands in his suicide note – that his wife and her family be kept away from his body and that his ashes be scattered outside the court’s gutter if justice isn’t served – highlight the deep-seated anger and sense of betrayal he felt. The investigation is ongoing, and the nation awaits the outcome, hoping for justice and a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding domestic disputes and the tragic consequences they can have.
The case underscores the urgent need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing marital conflicts, ensuring that both men and women are protected from abuse and exploitation, and that legal systems are equipped to handle such sensitive cases effectively and impartially. The investigation’s progress will be closely followed as the nation grapples with the devastating loss and the complex questions raised by this heartbreaking tragedy.
