“Rahul Gandhi’s attention sought as protests erupt across India over alleged misuse of anti-dowry laws following Atul Subhash’s tragic death.”
December 19, 2024: New Delhi: Activists demanding justice for Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash took their cause directly to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, chasing his cavalcade on Delhi streets to attract his attention. The dramatic encounter saw the Leader of the Opposition acknowledge the protesters, albeit in an unusual way—by tossing a chocolate into their car.
Also Read: How One Phone Call Led Cops to Nikita Singhania After Atul Subhash’s Suicide
Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old software engineer, tragically died by suicide on December 9. In an 80-minute video and a 24-page suicide note, he accused his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family of harassment through false legal cases and preventing him from meeting his son. His death has sparked a national conversation about the alleged misuse of laws intended to protect women, with growing calls for systemic reform.
The Protest and Rahul Gandhi’s Response
Prominent lawyer-activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, known for her advocacy against the misuse of anti-dowry laws, has been leading the demand for justice in Atul Subhash’s case. She shared a video of the protest on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), showing her and fellow campaigners chasing Mr. Gandhi’s car.
The video captures Ms. Bhardwaj and her companions driving alongside Mr. Gandhi’s vehicle, holding posters of Atul Subhash and shouting his name. Despite security personnel attempting to block them, the activists persisted. After a brief exchange, Mr. Gandhi acknowledged their effort by throwing a KitKat chocolate into their car.
“Though we don’t know if he’ll look into the case, I just hope someone in Parliament takes it up,” Ms. Bhardwaj posted. She also confirmed reaching out to Mr. Gandhi’s team for a meeting but has yet to receive a response.
Nationwide Protests
The incident has added fuel to the fire of ongoing protests across the country, as citizens rally against what they claim is the misuse of dowry laws to target husbands and their families. Demonstrations have been reported in major cities, including Kolkata, Delhi, Chandigarh, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. Protesters are calling for stricter safeguards against the alleged exploitation of these laws.
The Case Against Nikita Singhania
Atul Subhash was found dead in his Bengaluru home on December 9. His brother, Bikas Kumar, has filed an abetment-to-suicide case against Atul’s estranged wife, Nikita, along with her mother, Nisha, her brother, Anurag, and her uncle, Sushil. Police have arrested Nikita, her mother, and her brother in connection with the case.
A Larger Debate
Atul’s death has reignited a contentious debate about the balance between protecting women from abuse and preventing misuse of the laws meant to safeguard them. Ms. Bhardwaj remarked, “No parliamentarian has spoken about the tragic suicide of Atul Subhash or the reasons behind the growing number of suicides among men in India. This is a pressing issue that needs immediate attention.”
The incident involving Rahul Gandhi has amplified the demands for action, with activists urging political leaders across the spectrum to address the societal and legal reforms required to prevent such tragedies.
Tags:
Justice for Atul Subhash, anti-dowry law misuse, Rahul Gandhi protest, Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, dowry law reform, men’s rights protests, Bengaluru techie suicide, legal reform India, nationwide protests India
