Bengaluru police have issued a formal notice to Nikita Singhania, the wife of Atul Subhash, a techie who tragically died by suicide earlier this week, instructing her to record her statement within the next three days. In addition, the police have asked her mother and brother to also provide their statements. The notice was posted at the residence of Nikita in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, and is part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Subhash's death. Atul Subhash, employed by a private firm in Bengaluru, passed away on Monday, allegedly due to harassment from his wife and her family, as detailed in his 24-page suicide note. In the note, Subhash mentioned the emotional and psychological distress he had been enduring because of marital issues and several cases filed against him by his wife.
A case of abetment of suicide has been filed against Nikita and her family members following a complaint lodged by Subhash's brother. This marks a significant development in the case as the police seek to probe the allegations made by Subhash in his suicide note. The notice mandates that Nikita and her family record their statements by Monday, with the police warning that failure to comply with this order could result in their arrest, based on the evidence that has been collected so far.
Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), those found guilty of abetment of suicide can face severe legal consequences, with a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. This new law carries a much harsher penalty compared to the previous provision under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which carried a sentence of up to 7 years for the same crime. Given the gravity of the case, the accused now face the potential of significant legal ramifications.
Nikita and her family members are now confronted with a crucial decision: whether to cooperate with the ongoing police investigation by recording their statements or to pursue legal remedies by seeking anticipatory bail from the court to avoid arrest. Since the incident took place in Karnataka, the accused would need to approach the court in that state to request anticipatory bail. However, the police have the authority to issue an arrest warrant post-interrogation, depending on the findings from the investigation.
The case has drawn significant public attention and outrage, with widespread condemnation of the allegations surrounding Subhash’s suicide. As part of the ongoing investigation, more details have emerged about the troubled relationship between Nikita and her husband. In 2022, Nikita reportedly filed a police complaint against Subhash, accusing him of harassment and assault in connection with dowry demands. In her complaint, Nikita alleged that after their marriage, Subhash and his family insisted on an additional Rs 10 lakh as dowry. Furthermore, she claimed that Subhash had physically abused her, describing the marital relationship as “beastly” due to the constant mistreatment.
This latest tragedy has sparked national outrage, shining a light on the ongoing issues of domestic violence, dowry harassment, and the devastating toll they take on individuals and families. The situation has also raised broader concerns about the mental and emotional health of people caught in toxic relationships. Experts are calling for greater attention to be paid to preventing such tragedies through early intervention, education, and more robust legal safeguards for those suffering from such abuse.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to Subhash's tragic death. They are also looking into the allegations of emotional distress and psychological trauma detailed in his suicide note. This case has brought to the forefront the pressing need for society to address issues of marital discord, dowry-related violence, and other forms of abuse that can have devastating consequences. It also highlights the importance of providing support and resources for those in abusive relationships, as well as taking swift legal action to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
