In a case that has gripped public attention, the Bengaluru Civil Court granted bail to Nikita Singhania, wife of deceased techie Atul Subhash, along with her mother Nisha Singhania and brother Anurag Singhania. This development comes amid heated allegations of harassment and abetment to suicide, which surfaced after Atul’s tragic death in December. The decision to grant bail has sparked intense debate and dissatisfaction among the deceased's family and supporters, who have vowed to challenge the order in higher courts.
The case revolves around the alleged mental and physical torment faced by Atul Subhash, who succumbed to the pressures and ended his life in his Bengaluru apartment. A detailed suicide note and a video left behind by Atul highlighted the alleged harassment by his wife and in-laws, including a demand for ₹3 crore to settle disputes and ₹30 lakh for visitation rights to his son. Despite these serious accusations, the accused managed to secure bail, a move that has been met with sharp criticism.
Public prosecutor Ponnanna expressed concern over the decision, pointing out that the investigation was still underway. He emphasized that granting bail at this stage could hinder the process, given the difficulty in procuring the accused earlier. Similarly, Atul’s brother, Vikas Modi, highlighted that the objections raised against the bail included substantial evidence and valid grounds. Dissatisfied with the ruling, the family intends to take the matter to the High Court and, if necessary, the Supreme Court.
Atul’s father, Pawan Kumar Modi, also raised concerns about the welfare of his grandson, alleging that Nikita used the child as a reason to secure bail. He claimed that the child had been sent to a boarding school at a very young age, which he described as "illegal," and accused Nikita of using the child as leverage for financial gain. According to him, the mother’s actions were devoid of genuine concern for the child’s well-being, and her intentions were driven purely by monetary motives.
The tragic death of Atul Subhash has also brought attention to broader issues of gender rights and the judicial process. A 24-page suicide note and an accompanying video detailed his struggles, alleging manipulation and harassment by his in-laws and even implicating a judge in the corruption of the judicial process. Atul’s ordeal has reignited discussions on men’s rights and systemic issues within family law proceedings.
The accused maintain their innocence, with Nikita asserting that she was a victim of harassment herself and had been living separately from Atul for three years. She has also filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash the charges of abetment to suicide. However, Atul’s family believes the judicial system has failed to deliver justice, and they remain determined to pursue the case until accountability is ensured.
As the case unfolds, it continues to shed light on the complexities of family disputes and the far-reaching implications of judicial decisions. The legal battle, coupled with its emotional and societal undertones, remains a significant point of discussion across legal and social platforms.