A 34-year-old man, Atul Subhash, originally from Uttar Pradesh, was found dead in his residence in Bengaluru on Monday in what police have confirmed as a case of suicide. Subhash, who was employed at a private firm, left behind a detailed 24-page suicide note accusing his wife and her relatives of harassment.
The note, sent via email and shared in a WhatsApp group connected to an NGO Subhash was involved with, outlined his struggles with ongoing marital disputes and legal battles. A placard hung in his home with the words, “Justice is due”, highlighting his grievances.
Police revealed that Subhash had been facing severe marital discord. His wife had filed nine cases against him in Uttar Pradesh, including allegations of murder, dowry harassment, and unnatural sex. In a video recorded before his death, Subhash claimed six cases were pending in the lower court and three in the high court.
Subhash alleged that in one case from 2022, his wife falsely accused him, his parents, and his brother of murder. During cross-examination, she reportedly admitted that her claims about her father’s death being caused by Subhash’s demands for money were baseless. According to her testimony, her father died in 2019 due to chronic illnesses, including diabetes.
Subhash also accused his wife of demanding ₹2 lakh in monthly maintenance for herself and their son. He stated that she had previously withdrawn a domestic violence case against him, only to refile a new one later.
Before taking the drastic step, Subhash meticulously organized his affairs. Important details, such as the location of his death note, vehicle keys, and a list of tasks he had completed or left undone, were pasted on a cupboard in his home.
He also sent his suicide note to multiple people, seeking to make his grievances public. In the video, Subhash expressed frustration over the legal and emotional toll of the cases filed against him, stating that his life had become unbearable.
The police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Subhash’s death. “The allegations and evidence provided in his note and video will be examined thoroughly,” an officer stated. Subhash’s accusations have sparked conversations about the misuse of legal provisions in domestic disputes and the mental health impact on those involved.
Authorities have urged individuals facing similar struggles to seek support and reach out to mental health professionals. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact a mental health helpline for assistance.
