The tragic suicide of 34-year-old Bengaluru-based AI engineer Atul Subhash has sparked nationwide outrage, shedding light on allegations of harassment against his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family. The Bengaluru police have intensified their investigation and sought assistance from Uttar Pradesh authorities to trace the accused.

Details of the Incident

Atul Subhash was found dead in his Munnekollal residence on Monday, leaving behind a 24-page suicide note and an 81-minute video outlining the alleged harassment he faced. His note accused his wife, mother-in-law Nisha, brother-in-law Anurag, and uncle-in-law Sushil of demanding ₹3 crore to withdraw cases against him and ₹30 lakh for visitation rights to see his four-year-old son.

Police Action and Investigation

Based on a complaint filed by Atul’s brother, the Marathahalli police registered an FIR against the accused for abetment of suicide. On Wednesday, a police team from Bengaluru, led by Sub-Inspector Ranjit Kumar, arrived in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, where the accused reside.

A senior Bengaluru police officer stated, "The investigation team will decide whether to serve notices or take the suspects into custody."

Accused on the Run

Reports suggest that Nikita and her brother Anurag fled their Jaunpur residence late Wednesday night. CCTV footage and videos circulating on social media show the duo leaving their home around midnight on a motorcycle. Local authorities, including Jaunpur SP Ajaypal Sharma, confirmed that they had not received any formal communication from Bengaluru police yet.

Inspector Mithilesh Mishra of Kotwali Police Station also stated that no orders had been issued to arrest the accused.

Family’s Defense

In a media interaction earlier, Nisha Singhania, Nikita’s mother, denied all allegations and called them baseless. She stated, "Atul’s accusations are unfounded. My daughter could never provoke someone to suicide. We will present all evidence to prove our innocence."

Background of the Case

Atul and Nikita married in April 2019, but their relationship quickly deteriorated. Nikita had previously filed a dowry harassment case against Atul and his family. Atul’s suicide note painted a grim picture of his mental state, stating, "The system, funded by my taxes, is being used to harass me and my family. My death will mean no further reason to torment my loved ones."

Community Outrage and Legal Implications

The incident has sparked widespread debate about misuse of dowry laws and the need for balanced legal safeguards. Atul’s death has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of existing laws to prevent false accusations and protect both men and women in marital disputes.

The investigation is ongoing, with Bengaluru police working closely with their counterparts in Uttar Pradesh to trace and apprehend the accused. Further updates are awaited as the case unfolds.