Techie Atul Subhash's wife Nikita, in-laws arrested in suicide abetment case

Bengaluru Police on Sunday arrested the estranged wife of Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old software engineer who died by suicide last Monday. Subhash's wife, Nikita Singhania, along with her mother, Nisha Singhania, and brother, Anurag Singhania, has been charged with abetment to suicide following allegations of harassment.

Subhash’s death, marked by a 24-page suicide note and a video, has sparked nationwide outrage. The deceased accused his wife and her family of emotional distress, financial harassment, and undue legal pressure. Bengaluru City Police detained Nikita in Gurugram, while her mother and brother were apprehended in Prayagraj.

According to Subhash’s note, his troubles began in 2020 after marital disputes and monetary demands allegedly escalated. He accused Nikita of filing false cases against him, seeking Rs 2 lakh monthly maintenance for herself and their four-year-old son. Subhash detailed in the note how constant pressure for money, lavish gifts, and repeated legal battles caused him immense stress.

In response, Nikita and her family sought anticipatory bail from the Allahabad High Court after police summoned her for questioning. The court hearings were part of an ongoing legal tangle involving the couple, which Subhash mentioned as a significant source of his anguish.

Nikita, however, has her allegations. In a 2022 police complaint, she accused Subhash and his family of demanding Rs 10 lakh as dowry and subjecting her to physical and emotional abuse. She claimed that Subhash treated their relationship poorly and often assaulted her, leading to a tumultuous marital journey.

As investigations continue, police are also probing Subhash’s claims against a family court judge in Uttar Pradesh, who he alleged was biased during hearings. Both families have presented contrasting versions of the events, complicating the legal proceedings.