Men Facing Domestic Challenges
In recent months, India has witnessed tragic incidents involving tech professionals who have died by suicide, allegedly due to marital distress. The cases of Atul Subhash and Manav Sharma have sparked discussions about Men Facing Domestic Challenges, mental health, marital pressures, and the need for support systems for men facing domestic challenges.
Manav Sharma’s Case
On February 24, 2025, Manav Sharma, a 25-year-old manager at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Mumbai, was found dead in his Agra residence. Before his death, Sharma recorded a nearly seven-minute video expressing feelings of loneliness and alleged harassment by his wife. In the emotional recording, he pleaded for society to acknowledge the struggles faced by men, stating, “Please, someone should talk about men. They become very lonely.” He also apologized to his parents and revealed previous suicide attempts, displaying scars on his wrist.
Sharma’s father, a retired Air Force officer, reported that his son’s marital issues began shortly after his wedding on January 30, 2024. Conflicts escalated when his wife allegedly threatened false accusations and expressed interest in living with her boyfriend. The day before his death, Sharma was reportedly threatened by his wife’s family after dropping her at her maternal home. Following the discovery of the video, the police registered a case and initiated an investigation.
Atul Subhash’s Case
In December 2024, Bengaluru-based software engineer Atul Subhash, 34, was found dead in his apartment, having died by hanging. Subhash left behind an 81-minute video and a 24-page note alleging harassment by his estranged wife and in-laws. He claimed his in-laws had demanded a settlement of ₹30 million ($350,000) and denied him visitation rights to his son unless he complied. Subhash also criticized the legal system, particularly Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, which he felt was biased against men.
Following his death, Subhash’s wife, her mother, and her brother were arrested on charges of abetment to suicide but were later granted bail. The incident ignited debates on men’s rights, potential misuse of dowry laws, and the need for legal reforms to prevent harassment through false accusations.
Rising Suicide Rates Among Married Men
These incidents are part of a concerning trend in India. According to a report by The Lancet Regional Health, in 2021, 118,979 men died by suicide compared to 45,026 women, indicating that men are 2.64 times more likely to die by suicide. Notably, among married individuals, the suicide rate for men was 24.3 per 100,000, nearly three times higher than the rate for women, which stood at 8.4 per 100,000. Family problems and Men Facing Domestic Challenges were identified as a significant contributing factor.
Conclusion
The tragic deaths of Manav Sharma and Atul Subhash underscore the urgent need to address mental health issues and provide support systems for individuals facing marital distress. These cases highlight the importance of creating a more balanced legal framework that protects all individuals, regardless of gender, from domestic harassment and false accusations.
