December 12, 2024: New Delhi: Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has spoken out about the suicide of Bengaluru-based techie Atul Subhash, condemning the alleged misuse of legal provisions by his estranged wife and her family. The 34-year-old techie left behind a 24-page suicide note and an 84-minute video alleging harassment and extortion by his wife, sparking nationwide outrage.
“The entire country is in shock. His video is heartbreaking… Fake feminism is condemnable. Extortion of crores of rupees was being done, which was much more than his financial capacity. The man took the extreme step as he was under tremendous pressure,” Ranaut said in Hindi during an interaction with reporters.
However, while addressing the issue, the 38-year-old MP acknowledged the broader context of marital disputes. “We cannot deny the number of women who are being harassed every day. In 99% of marriage cases, it’s the men who are at fault. That’s why such mistakes also happen,” she added.
The Harassment Allegations
Atul Subhash’s death has reignited debates on the misuse of laws and the mental health toll of marital disputes. His suicide note revealed a long history of legal battles and financial demands. According to Subhash, his wife, despite working at Accenture and earning her own income, was receiving ₹40,000 a month in maintenance. She allegedly demanded ₹2-4 lakh more, filing multiple legal cases against him, his parents, and his brother—including charges of dowry harassment, unnatural sex, and even murder.
Though his wife withdrew some of the cases, the relentless legal pressure left Subhash drained. His family alleged that he had to travel between Bengaluru and Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, over 40 times to address the various allegations filed by his wife and her family.
A Family’s Grief
Subhash’s father, Pawan Kumar, shared the emotional and logistical strain his son endured. “He told us that those in the mediation court don’t work as per the law or even the Supreme Court’s rules. He must have been frustrated but never let us feel it. Suddenly, we received the news of his death. It’s 100% true—the allegations he made against his wife and her family,” he said.
The family revealed that Subhash sent an email to his younger brother around 1 a.m. on the day of his death, detailing his decision. “We cannot express the level of tension that our son would have been in,” his father added.
Kangana’s Comments Stir Debate
Ranaut’s remarks, especially her acknowledgment of “99% of cases” where men are at fault, have sparked a polarizing discussion on social media. While some commended her for addressing both sides of the issue, others criticized her for downplaying the alleged misuse of laws in Subhash’s case.
The actor-turned-politician also criticized the broader implications of “fake feminism,” arguing that such misuse of laws not only ruins families but also delegitimizes the struggles of genuine victims.
Justice for Atul Subhash
Following the viral spread of Subhash’s video and suicide note, police registered a case of abetment to suicide against his wife, Nikita Singhania, her mother, brother, and uncle. Investigations are underway, with Bengaluru Deputy Commissioner of Police Shivakumar confirming the tragic sequence of events.
Subhash’s case has highlighted the urgent need for legal reform to ensure that both genders are protected from systemic misuse while also addressing the emotional and financial toll marital disputes can take on families.
“This is not just about one life lost. It’s about systemic failures that force individuals into unimaginable despair,” said a legal expert weighing in on the case.
As the investigation progresses, the tragedy of Subhash’s death has left the nation grappling with larger questions about fairness, legal accountability, and the emotional cost of unresolved family conflicts.
