Bengaluru: BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has strongly reacted to the tragic suicide of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash, alleging that he was being extorted for crores of rupees, far beyond his financial capacity. Subhash’s family has filed a police complaint accusing his estranged wife, her family members, and a judge of abetting his suicide.
Speaking to reporters, Kangana described the situation as “heartbreaking,” highlighting that Atul’s final video, in which he detailed his harassment by his wife, was a tragic testimony of his distress. “The entire country is in shock. His video is heartbreaking. Fake feminism is condemnable. Extortion of crores of rupees was being done, much more than his financial capacity. The man took the extreme step because he was under tremendous pressure,” Kangana said, adding that this incident sheds light on the abuse of legal systems.
The actress-turned-politician, who was dressed in a pink saree and cream blazer, further noted that while many women face harassment, the distress of men should also be acknowledged. “We cannot deny that many women are harassed every day, but in 99% of marriage cases, men are at fault, and that’s why such mistakes happen,” she remarked, calling for a more balanced view of relationships.
Kangana also emphasized the importance of upholding traditional values in marriage, saying that the institution would do well if it remains rooted in tradition. However, she suggested that the introduction of “socialism” and “communism” had caused its corruption.
The Tragic Story of Atul Subhash
Atul Subhash, a 38-year-old tech professional, left behind an 80-minute video detailing his accusations against his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family. He claimed that they had filed multiple false cases against him and his family to extort money. His video, recorded before he took the drastic step, also included a strong criticism of the justice system. In his 24-page suicide note, Atul accused his wife’s family of demanding several lakhs of rupees, beyond his means. When he refused to comply, his wife reportedly left their Bengaluru home with their son in 2021.
The couple, who had met through a matchmaking website, married in 2019 and have a four-year-old son. Atul alleged that his wife filed a series of legal cases against him and his family in 2022, including charges of murder and unnatural sex. She claimed he had demanded a dowry of Rs 10 lakh, which allegedly led to her father’s heart attack. In response, Atul filed a counter-complaint, accusing his wife of filing false charges against his elderly parents and brother, alleging assault.
In his final message, Atul asked his family not to immerse his ashes until justice was served. He also expressed his concern for his son, who, according to him, had been kept away from him by his wife. Atul requested that custody of the child be granted to his parents.
Legal Implications and Supreme Court’s Remarks
The case has brought attention to the potential misuse of laws intended to protect women from cruelty and dowry harassment. Earlier today, the Supreme Court highlighted the growing tendency to misuse such laws and emphasized that courts must exercise caution in dowry harassment cases to avoid the wrongful harassment of innocent people.
The tragic suicide of Atul Subhash has sparked a larger conversation about the complexities of marital disputes, legal systems, and the societal pressures that individuals face. As investigations continue, the case is shedding light on the distress faced by men in abusive marriages and the urgent need for legal reforms.
