New Delhi: The tragic suicide of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash has sparked a nationwide debate on men’s rights, with the deceased’s family alleging systemic bias in Indian laws. They have appealed to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for justice, highlighting their son’s struggles against alleged harassment and legal pressure.
Subhash, a 34-year-old deputy general manager in a private firm, left behind a 24-page suicide note and a 90-minute video accusing his estranged wife, her family, and a judge of harassment, extortion, and instigating his suicide. His father, Pawan Kumar, expressed deep anguish while talking to news agency ANI, saying, “He must have been frustrated but never let us feel his sufferings. The allegations he made are 100% true.”
Victim’s brother criticises legal system
Kumar detailed how Atul was forced to travel repeatedly between Bengaluru and Jaunpur to attend mediation court sessions, alleging irregularities in judicial processes. “Those in mediation courts do not work as per law or Supreme Court rules. His wife filed one charge after another, and the tension he endured is beyond expression,” he said.
The victim’s brother, Bikas Kumar, criticised the legal system, claiming it favours women. “Every law in India is for women, not for men. My brother fought against this but was overwhelmed. Eight months after his wife separated, she filed multiple charges against him and our family,” he said to ANI.
Friends corroborate family’s statements
Friends of the deceased corroborated the family’s statements, describing the immense pressure Subhash faced. Jackson, a close friend, stated to ANI, “There were nine cases against him. He wasn’t depressed but felt harassed by a biased system. He longed to see his son, whom he was ordered to pay Rs 40,000 monthly for maintenance. This sense of injustice pushed him to take such a step.”
The family also highlighted the note’s poignant plea, in which Subhash directed his remains to be placed in the Ganga if he won justice but discarded outside the court if not. “Even in death, he wanted to fight for truth,” said his brother.
