The custody battle for the grandson of Atul Subhash, who tragically died by suicide, has taken on alarming dimensions as his father, Pawan Modi, has issued dire warnings of mass suicide if his family is not granted custody. This distressing turn of events follows Subhash's suicide on December 9, 2024, amid allegations of harassment against his wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family.
Atul Subhash, who worked at an automobile company, left behind haunting evidence of his despair: a 90-minute video and a 40-page suicide note detailing the emotional torment he faced. The note, marked "Justice is Due," addressed his two-year-old child, reflecting both his sorrow and hopes for the boy's future. He implored authorities to grant custody of his child to his parents, stressing they could raise him with "better values" compared to his wife and her family.
Pawan Modi has emerged as the voice of the grieving family, amid rising anxieties about the welfare of his grandson. Expressing deep concern, he stated, "My whole family will commit mass suicide if we do not get our grandson back," emphasizing his desperation. Having only seen the child through video calls, Modi fears for the toddler's safety, especially after the arrest of Atul's wife and her relatives. This situation has led him to lodge a complaint at the Vaini police station, Bihar, seeking the recovery of his grandson.
The case has garnered significant media attention, especially after the Supreme Court intervened. It issued notices to the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Karnataka, directing them to recover the missing child and report back by January 7. Anand Shankar Gaurav, the station officer at Vaini police station, has confirmed the transfer of the zero FIR to Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, aligning with the case's jurisdiction.
Pawan Modi's legal actions reflect not only personal grief but also his desire for systemic change. He has raised questions about the transparency of the authorities, querying why the location of the child remains undisclosed. "A 2-year-old is not typically kept in boarding school," he claimed, fuelling his anxieties about the child's safety.
Echoing his family's plight, Atul's younger brother, Vikas Modi, has called for stricter laws against what he describes as the misuse of legal provisions surrounding dowry and domestic disputes. "I appealed to the Prime Minister to introduce stricter laws against the misuse of legal provisions, such as those related to dowry harassment, to prevent tragedies like Atul Subhash," he stated. This plea for reform underlines the urgent need for legal protections for families caught up in such disputes.
Atul's anguished message, which paints a grim picture of his struggles, serves as both testimony and warning. He wrote, "Now with me gone, there will not be any money to loot, and I hope they might start to look at the facts of the cases." His reflections detail not just personal turmoil but highlight broader issues within the legal system, with Atul expressing lack of faith, lamenting the current state of justice, and stating he did not trust the legal framework.
The case has ignited discourse on the legal protections and support structures available for families facing domestic violence and related challenges. The Supreme Court's involvement signifies the gravity of the situation, as officials from various states prepare to submit their reports concerning the child's status.
Both Pawan and Vikas Modi continue to seek justice not only for Atul's memory but also for the safety and well-being of the child. The emotional weight of this custody battle echoes the struggles of many families entangled within similar disputes, highlighting the need for awareness and reform.
Atul Subhash's case not only sheds light on the tragic consequences of unresolved familial disputes but also serves as a poignant reminder of the systemic failures often faced by those seeking justice and protection within their family dynamics. The outcome of this custody battle remains uncertain as the family's fears for the child's safety linger, underscoring the urgent necessity for legal action and emotional support as they navigate this trying time.
