Thu Dec 12 23:16:38 UTC 2024: ## Bengaluru Software Engineer’s Suicide: Lawyer Disputes Depression Claims, Brother Alleges Extortion

**Bengaluru, India –** The death of 34-year-old software engineer Atul Subhash, who was found dead by suicide at his Bengaluru residence on Monday, has sparked controversy. While a 24-page suicide note and a 90-minute video detail allegations of harassment and extortion against his wife and her family, his lawyer disputes claims of depression leading up to the incident.

Subhash’s lawyer, Dinesh Mishra, told India Today TV that Subhash appeared unconcerned when last seen in June at a Jaunpur court hearing regarding a maintenance case filed by his wife. The court ordered Subhash to pay ₹40,000 monthly in child support. Mishra stated that Subhash expressed acceptance of the court’s July 29th ruling and did not subsequently contact him regarding an appeal. He suggested the significant maintenance amount may have been a contributing factor to Subhash’s actions, noting that the High Court could have reviewed the decision.

However, Subhash’s suicide note alleges that his wife filed multiple false cases against him and demanded ₹2 lakh monthly in maintenance for herself and their four-year-old son. A placard reading “Justice is Due” was found at his home.

Adding further complexity to the case, Subhash’s brother, Bikas Modi, filed a police complaint alleging that his sister-in-law and her family fabricated the cases and demanded a ₹3 crore settlement. Modi highlighted the difficulties of frequent travel between Bengaluru and Uttar Pradesh for court appearances, stating, “My brother gave his life while he was fighting against the system.”

The police are investigating the case, including the allegations in Subhash’s suicide note and the complaint filed by his brother. The lawyer acknowledged the challenges of attending court hearings in less developed areas like Jaunpur, where virtual hearings are less common. The investigation will determine whether the maintenance order, the alleged extortion, or a combination of factors contributed to Subhash’s suicide.

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