The Bengaluru police will investigate all allegations in the note left behind by Atul Subhash, a techie who recently died by suicide, including allegations of abetment and bribery by a family court judge in Uttar Pradesh.
A senior IPS officer told TNM, “We will investigate all allegations mentioned in the death note, including against the judge. The IO has all the powers to investigate a case,” However, he said that legal opinion will be sought before taking action.
Atul Subhash was found dead in his house in Munnekolala residence in Bengaluru on December 9. He left behind a 23-page suicide note which was widely circulated on social media, accusing his wife Nikita Singhania and her family of harassment and extortion. He also alleged in the note that a family court judge in Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh, had demanded bribes and taunted him about killing himself.
In his suicide note, Atul alleged that on March 24, 2024, the judge called him to her cabin where his wife was already present. He said the judge asked him why he couldn’t settle the case. He replied saying that his wife’s family was demanding a large amount of money from him, that they had levelled many allegations against him, and were not allowing him to meet his son, and that he had to keep coming from Bengaluru to Jaunpur. He alleged that the judge was dismissive and that she made instigative remarks.
After that the judge allegedly asked his wife to go outside, and offered to help him settle the cases if he gave her Rs 5 lakh. Atul alleged that the judge also said that his wife would “adjust”. Atul said that he did not have the money and asked the judge to hear the case on merit, to which the judge agreed.
According to the suicide note, in mid-2022, a person in the judge’s courtroom also demanded a bribe of Rs 3 lakh from him to secure a favourable interim order regarding the maintenance case filed by his wife.
The Marathahalli police registered an FIR on December 9, based on a complaint by Atul’s brother Bikas Kumar against Atul’s wife Nikita Singhania, her mother Nisha Singhania, her brother Anurag Singhania and her uncle Sushil Singhania. The case was registered under Sections 3(5) and 108 of the BNS for common intention and abetment to suicide. Bengaluru police have arrested Atul’s wife Nikita, her mother and brother.
The incident has caused widespread outrage on social media.
If you are aware of anyone feeling suicidal or facing mental health issues, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm)
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.