A techie from Agra, Manav Sharma, 30, who worked as a recruitment manager with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), tragically died by suicide on February 24, 2025, leaving behind a heart-wrenching video addressing the pressures faced by men within the societal framework of marital discord. Before taking the irreversible step, Sharma recorded a distressing 6-minute and 57-second video where he expressed deep anguish over his relationship with his wife, Nikita Sharma, 28, and her alleged affair.
Sharma, who resided in Defense Colony, Agra, had returned from Mumbai the day prior with Nikita. Reports indicate his marriage began well following their wedding on January 30, 2024, but soon fell apart due to rising tensions. According to Manav's father, retired Air Force officer Narendra Sharma, conflicts escalated, and the couple argued frequently. The father revealed, "She threatened to file false accusations against Manav and expressed interest in living with another man." These threats weighed heavily on Manav's mental health, and after he allegedly received threats from his wife's family, he took his own life.
Describing his pain, Manav’s video implored society to recognize the struggles men face, stating, “Please, someone should talk about men. They become very lonely.” He also emphasized the need for stronger legal protections for men, lamenting the societal tendency to neglect their challenges.
Nikita Sharma, responding to the accusations, vehemently denied her husband’s claims. She alleged he suffered from alcohol addiction, was violent, and had previously attempted suicide several times. "He had attempted suicide multiple times. I saved him many times," she said, expressing her perspective on their tumultuous relationship. "The day he died, I warned his parents he might take extreme measures. They dismissed my concerns. This blame for marital issues isn't about me; it’s about his long-standing struggles with alcohol and aggression." She remarked about how her allegations against him, particularly about previous relationships, were being unfairly judged, describing them as part of her past.
On February 27, after concerns escalated among family members following the video’s circulation on social media, Agra Police initiated action upon receiving a complaint via WhatsApp. They stated, “We have registered a case based on the video and will investigate all claims and evidence thoroughly.” The family initially faced indifference from authorities when they attempted to file a complaint at the Sadar Bazaar Police Station, as officers reportedly cited prior obligations related to Maha Shivratri. The family’s efforts to involve higher authorities led them to submit complaints through the Chief Minister’s portal, exacerbated by their alarming concerns about Manav's well-being.
These events echo prior tragedies, most prominently the case of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash, who similarly left behind allegations against his wife before his death, reigniting discussions around mental health, marital discord, and legal protections for men. A concurrent dialogue is surfacing about the pressures men face which often go unnoticed.
While authorities have noted this complex situation requires careful legal navigation, they have also reached out to promote the significance of mental health awareness. Police Deputy Commissioner Suraj Rai indicated, “We are dedicated to ensuring every aspect of these allegations is explored. Mental health is necessary to address both men and women's perspectives.”
The couple's marriage, marred by conflict and accusations, highlights the need for urgent support systems both legally and mentally. Recent debates surrounding mental health issues prompt consideration for interventions aimed at improving communication within relationships, support for individuals suffering from mental health crises, and necessary sensitivity training for police handling domestic matters.
Manav’s tragic end raises pressing questions about how society can support individuals facing similar struggles, and what safeguards can be put in place to protect against extreme actions stemming from marital distress. Both families, deeply affected by turmoil, represent broader societal challenges, indicating the necessity of addressing root causes of such despair and fostering dialogues focused on mental health support.
“This case has highlighted the dire need for public awareness about the mental anguish and domestic issues men may face, and representation of their voices within both legal frameworks and support networks,” said counselor Dr. Meera Sharma.
With Manav's story now part of public discourse, it invites reflection on how society could change to prevent such tragedies. Mental health support, effective communication, and societal compassion need to be part of the discourse if similar instances are to be mitigated. Those grappling with similar issues must be reminded: there exists help through various helplines available to provide support during dark times. Reach out, speak out, and get help, before it's too late.
Should you feel distressed or need someone to talk to, helplines such as Aasra (022-27546669) or Sneha (044-24640050) stand ready to assist.