"Nikita Singhania and her mother's actions were financially motivated, and they used my son as an ATM," said the father of software engineer Atul Subhash, who died by suicide in Bengaluru earlier this week after alleging harassment by his estranged wife and her family.
Atul, 34, was found dead at his house in Bengaluru on December 9. He left behind a 90-minute-long video and a 24-page suicide note, blaming his wife, Nikita Singhania, and in-laws for filing false cases against him and accused them of "persistent torture".
Speaking to media, Atul's father, Pawan Modi, opened up about the unresolved marital discord between Atul and his daughter-in-law Nikita, which he believes led to his son's untimely death.
Modi also shared details of a mediation attempt between Atul and Nikita back in 2021. He also revealed that a settlement was proposed, in which Nikita demanded Rs 20 lakh in exchange for a divorce. "She even provided a handwritten list of dowry items," he stated, adding that the list remains in his possession.
According to police, Nikita was arrested in Gurugram in Haryana, while her mother Nisha Singhania and brother Anuragh Singhania were picked up from Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj.
Modi recounted that Nikita and her mother’s demands seemed 'unreasonable'. While they initially agreed to the settlement, Atul expressed doubts about Nikita's intentions. "My son felt she was only after money. Atul believed even after paying, she wouldn't give the divorce and might continue to pursue legal cases," Modi said.
According to Modi, his son suggested depositing Rs 20 lakh, ensuring payment only upon receiving the divorce.
Recalling court proceedings, Modi stated that Atul had even confronted the situation, claiming he could provide up to Rs 3 crore but feared Nikita's demands would only escalate. Modi also accused Nikita's mother of making disparaging remarks, including a comment urging Atul to consider suicide.
The teary-eyed father even shared the emotional toll, especially concerning his 4-year-old grandson (Atul’s child with Nikita). "Even on my grandson's birthday, Atul was not allowed to see him. He brought gifts, but they were refused. It broke him," he said.
Pawan Modi has now appealed to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, to intervene and grant him custody of his grandson.
"My grandson deserves a better life, and I seek justice for my son and family," he implored.
Source: India Today