The recent suicide of Manav Sharma, a recruitment manager at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has brought to light pressing issues surrounding men's mental health and the profound impact of marital discord. On February 24, 2025, Sharma ended his life at his residence in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, leaving behind a poignant video message that has since sparked widespread discussions.
In his emotional 6.57-minute video, Sharma apologized to his parents, stating, "Sorry, mom and dad. I've grown weary of my wife's harassment. Someone needs to speak about men; they often feel very lonely." He further alleged that his wife had been threatening him, leading him to this tragic decision.
Manav Sharma's father, Narendra Sharma, a retired Air Force officer, recounted that his son married on January 30, 2024. Post-marriage, the couple resided in Mumbai, where initial harmony gave way to frequent disputes. Narendra claimed that his daughter-in-law not only threatened to implicate the family in false cases but also expressed a desire to live with her alleged lover.
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On February 23, the couple returned to Agra, and Manav escorted his wife to her parental home. There, he was allegedly threatened by his in-laws. The following morning, Manav was found hanging in his room. Despite efforts to revive him at a military hospital, he was declared dead. Narendra Sharma reported that when he approached the local police station on February 26 to file a complaint, officers declined to register it, citing their engagement with Mahashivratri duties.
In response to the allegations, Manav's wife, Nikita Sharma, released a video refuting claims of harassment. She stated that Manav was troubled by her past before their marriage but asserted that she had no extramarital relationships post-wedding. Nikita accused Manav of alcohol consumption, abusive behavior, and multiple suicide attempts, some of which she claimed to have prevented. She also alleged that Manav's family dismissed her concerns as typical marital issues.
The tragic incident underscores the complex nature of marital disputes leading to extreme outcomes like suicide. The Supreme Court of India has previously opined that ordinary marital quarrels do not amount to abetment to suicide. In a notable judgment, the court stated, "A word uttered in the fit of anger or emotion without intending the consequences to actually follow cannot be said to be instigation."
Manav Sharma's death has ignited conversations about the often-overlooked mental health struggles faced by men, particularly in the context of marital challenges. His heartfelt plea for society to acknowledge men's loneliness and the pressures they endure calls for a more inclusive dialogue on mental well-being, support systems, and the need to address stigmas associated with men's emotional vulnerabilities.
