Bengaluru Executive Takes His Life Over Rs 3 Crore Divorce Settlement Demand; Legal Action by Men’s Rights Group

Bengaluru, Dec 11 (NationPress) An automobile executive from Uttar Pradesh tragically ended his life in Bengaluru, allegedly over a demand of Rs 3 crore for a divorce settlement and claims against a sitting judge. In response, the Ekam Nyay Foundation, which champions men's rights, is preparing to file a petition in the Supreme Court.

Atul Subhash, aged 34, took this drastic step in his apartment located within the jurisdiction of the Marathahalli police early Tuesday morning. He left behind a 90-minute video and a 40-page death note detailing the harassment faced from his wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family.

This incident has ignited a national debate regarding men's rights and the legal system's treatment of them in divorce and child custody cases.

Deepika Narayan Bharadwaj, founder of the Ekam Nyay Foundation, told IANS on Wednesday that due to the serious allegations against the judiciary and the sitting judge for purportedly soliciting bribes, the organization intends to bring this matter before the Supreme Court.

“We will submit this issue to both the Chief Justice of India and the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court,” she remarked.

This is not merely a Bengaluru issue; it reflects the plight of many married men in India who face false accusations and exorbitant alimony demands.

The 90-minute video reveals the torment a man endures when he cannot pay even when he possesses evidence of his innocence.

“There is an urgent need for assistance for those who are driven to suicide due to biased laws,” emphasized Deepika.

Bikas Kumar, the brother of the deceased, stated, “Atul’s wife’s family demanded Rs 3 crore for a settlement, which caused immense mental anguish.”

“In court, the wife openly demanded money from Atul and suggested that if he couldn't pay, he should consider ending his life. The judge laughed at her remark. Isn't this mental torture?” Bikas questioned.

“My brother lost his life. He wrote 'Justice is Due' everywhere. I demand justice at all costs. He even emailed the President of India and the Supreme Court, hoping they would reform the law to grant men some rights,” he asserted.

“Not all men are offenders. They deserve legal protection to present their cases and prove their innocence,” Bikas added.

Reflecting on his brother's suicide, he said, “We never anticipated he would take such an action. Our last conversation was normal; he gave no indication of his distress.”

“At 2 A.M. on Monday, he sent a message while I was asleep. The next day, I received a call about the death note, and upon checking my phone, I found his messages,” he recounted.

In his video, Atul mentioned that after marrying in 2019, his wife allegedly demanded Rs 3 crore as alimony once they filed for divorce.

He claimed she barred him from seeing their child after the divorce proceedings began. According to Atul, the Family Court Judge even requested Rs 5 lakh to settle the case.

Atul noted that his father-in-law passed away shortly after their marriage, and his wife accused his family of murder, claiming it was due to dowry demands.

He stated that he faced relentless harassment, having to attend 120 court dates over the past two years.

The Family Court judge ordered a maintenance payment of Rs 40,000 per month for their two-year-old child, he explained.

Atul emphasized in the video, “I refuse to pay and prefer death over allowing my money to be used against me to torture me and my family. I don’t want my wife or her family near my remains.” In the meantime, the Marathalli police have filed an FIR against Atul’s wife and three relatives, charging them with abetment to suicide under Sections 108, 3 (5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The complaint was lodged by Atul's brother, Bikas Kumar.