Bengaluru Software Engineer Dies by Suicide, Alleges Harassment in Detailed Note

Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old software engineer from Uttar Pradesh, tragically died by suicide in his Bengaluru apartment on December 9, 2024. His death has drawn significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding it, particularly his allegations of harassment from his estranged wife and her family.

Circumstances Surrounding the Incident

Atul was found hanging in his residence located in the Marathahalli area. He left behind a detailed 24-page suicide note, which he began with the phrase “Justice is due.” In this note, Atul accused his wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family of subjecting him to severe harassment and extortion over several years. He claimed that they had filed multiple legal cases against him—reportedly nine in total—including serious accusations such as attempted murder and dowry harassment. Atul expressed that these ongoing legal battles had taken a significant toll on his mental health, leading to feelings of despair and depression

Before taking this drastic step, Atul shared his intentions with members of a WhatsApp group associated with an NGO focused on domestic issues. He sent a message indicating he would end his life, prompting group members to alert the authorities. Police discovered his body shortly thereafter.

Allegations and Legal Struggles

Atul’s suicide note detailed not only the emotional distress he faced but also specific allegations against his wife and her relatives. He accused them of using their son as leverage to demand exorbitant maintenance payments, initially asking for ₹1 crore and later increasing it to ₹3 crore. In addition to the personal turmoil he experienced, he alleged corruption within the judicial system, claiming that a family court judge in Jaunpur had solicited bribes and dismissed his complaints about false allegations.

Social Media Reaction and Investigation

The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many calling for justice under the hashtag #JusticeForAtulSubhash. Following Atul’s death, the Bengaluru police registered a case of abetment to suicide against his wife and her family based on complaints from Atul’s brother. The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to uncover more details surrounding this tragic event.