Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The mother of Bengaluru-based engineer Atul Subhash, who died by suicide on December 9, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking custody of her four-year-old grandson. Subhash had left behind video and written notes accusing his estranged wife and in-laws of harassment and false allegations.
Anju Modi, Subhash’s mother, submitted a habeas corpus plea, claiming that the child’s location remains unknown despite inquiries. According to the petition, neither Subhash’s wife, Nikita Singhania, nor her family, who are currently in custody, have disclosed the child’s whereabouts.
Family Dispute and Legal Battle
Nikita Singhania allegedly told authorities that the child was in a boarding school in Faridabad under her uncle Sushil Singhania’s care. However, Sushil denied any knowledge of the child’s location. In response, a bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and N Kotiswar Singh issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Karnataka governments, directing them to provide clarity. The next hearing is set for January 7.
The Karnataka Police arrested Nikita, her mother Nisha, and her brother Anurag on December 16 on charges of abetment of suicide based on evidence from Subhash’s suicide note and video. All three are currently in judicial custody.
Grandparents’ Plea for Custody
Anju Modi, along with Subhash’s father, Pawan Kumar, has expressed grave concerns about the child’s safety. The family alleges that Nikita’s family obstructed efforts to locate the child, while also accusing them of harassing Subhash with false legal cases and financial demands.
Pawan Kumar publicly stated, “We want custody of the child and justice for our son. Until that happens, we won’t immerse his ashes.”
Singhania Family’s Defense
Meanwhile, the Singhania family is fighting back legally. Nikita’s uncle, Sushil, has been granted pre-arrest bail by the Allahabad High Court on health grounds, with conditions including a ₹50,000 bond, availability for interrogation, and surrender of his passport.
Senior counsel Manish Tiwary, representing Sushil, argued that the accusations were exaggerated and aimed at harassment.
Family’s Fight for Justice
Subhash’s brother, Bikas Kumar, vowed to continue the fight, stating, “We will not immerse the ashes until all false cases against us are withdrawn and justice is served. We are also deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of my nephew.”
