Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old techie working in Bengaluru, tragically died by suicide on December 9, 2022, under circumstances raising serious concerns about domestic harassment and family disputes. The suicide left behind allegations of mental distress stemming from conflicts with his wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family, igniting legal and emotional battles over his 2-year-old son, Vyom.
Pawan Modi, Atul's father, is at the forefront of the struggle to regain custody of his grandson, filing numerous legal petitions to secure the child’s safety after the arrest of Nikita and her relatives. "My whole family will die by suicide if we do not get our grandson back," Modi stated, displaying the depth of anguish the family faces amid their grief.
The circumstances of Atul's death are troubling. Leaving behind a 24-page suicide note alongside video evidence, he detailed his claims of being subjected to harassment and false accusations by his wife. Among his last words, he asserted, "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. Someday, you will know the real face of your mother and her greedy family." These chilling assertions have casted shadows on the family dynamics involved and raised disturbing questions about the legal system’s engagement with domestic disputes.
Atul's father, Pawan, expressed his fear for Vyom’s safety, citing concerns about why the child's whereabouts remain undisclosed. "I have seen my grandson only once via video call. I am worried about the child's well-being," he said, emphasizing the need for immediate action. The Supreme Court of India, recognizing the case's gravity, has issued notices to law enforcement agencies across three states, mandatorily requiring them to locate Vyom and report back by January 7.
Legal proceedings surrounding Atul Subhash's death have gained traction, particularly following their aftermath. Three individuals, including Nikita, her mother Nisha, and brother Anurag Singhania, have been remanded to judicial custody. Anand Shankar Gaurav, the officer in charge of the Vaini police station, noted, "The Jaunpur police will handle the case as it falls under their jurisdiction," underlining the regional problems associated with custody and family disputes.
Atul’s distress was reportedly exacerbated by alleged demands for substantial financial settlements for divorce, with claims of extortion linked to family court proceedings. He noted, “I often laugh when I think I started saving money for a car when you go to college. Silly me.” Such utterances reflect the burden he felt, which, coupled with his claims of harassment, led him to believe there was no escape.
Both Pawan and his younger son, Vikas Modi, are vocal advocates for greater governmental oversight and reform against what they perceive as systemic failures within the legal apparatus concerning domestic violence and custody rights. Vikas has even implored top officials, including India's Prime Minister, to address these issues more rigorously, advocating for laws to counter the exploitation of the legal system. "We need stricter laws against misuse of legal provisions, particularly concerning dowry harassment," Vikas stated.
The conversation surrounding this case unveils larger societal issues, shedding light on the vulnerabilities individuals face during familial disputes. Atul’s last wishes expressed through his suicide note encapsulate these fears, urging for transparency and accountability from the system meant to protect citizens. His words remain poignant, warning against misplaced trust: "I pray they don’t devour you and your soul. Remember this always, you don't owe anything to anyone. Don’t trust the system." Such phrases signify the turmoil many individuals endure when trapped within contentious familial relationships, caught between hope for justice and the weight of despair.
The Subhash family's narrative exposes the harsh realities of legal battles intertwined with emotional turmoil and the drastic measures some individuals feel compelled to take when they perceive no resolution lies within reach. Now, as they await legal proceedings and struggle for custody of little Vyom, their plight remains indicative of the urgent need for societal and systemic reform to truly safeguard familial welfare.
