#JusticeForRishi: Bengaluru Techie’s Suicide Sparks National Debate on Harassment Against Men

The tragic cases of two men who allegedly died by suicide due to harassment from their wives have ignited a nationwide debate on the #JusticeForRishi movement. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), are abuzz with calls for justice and legislative reform to prevent similar tragedies.

The spotlight on these cases, involving Rishi Trivedi, a taxi driver from Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh, and Atul Subhash, a Bengaluru-based techie, underscores the urgent need to address the alleged misuse of legal protections and the vulnerabilities faced by men in abusive relationships.

Rishi Trivedi, 34, was a hardworking taxi driver based in Delhi, striving to make ends meet by working long hours. According to his brother, Omji Trivedi, Rishi’s life took a dark turn after his marriage to Shikha Awasthi, who allegedly subjected him and his family to relentless harassment.

A Marriage Gone Wrong

Omji Trivedi shared harrowing details of Rishi’s life after marriage, painting a picture of domestic abuse and psychological torment:

• Early Red Flags: Just four days into their marriage, Shikha was allegedly caught stealing jewelry. This incident was followed by repeated instances of her threatening and intimidating Rishi’s family.
• Emotional and Physical Harassment: Omji alleged that Shikha deprived Rishi of peace, sleep, and even basic necessities like food. Attempts by their mother to intervene were met with threats from Shikha.
• Public Humiliation: On December 24, 2023, Shikha created a scene in their neighborhood, publicly insulting Rishi and throwing a saree at him while taunting him to end his life.

The Final Days

The series of events leading to Rishi’s death culminated on December 26, 2023. Overwhelmed by despair, Rishi took his taxi and drove outside Delhi. Using the same saree Shikha had thrown at him, he ended his life the following day. Before taking this extreme step, Rishi recorded a video, blaming his wife for driving him to suicide.

Despite the evidence provided by the video and repeated pleas from Omji and his family, no FIR has been filed against Shikha, even a year after Rishi’s death. Instead, Omji claims his family is being dragged into false cases, compounding their grief and trauma.

The story of Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old techie from Bengaluru, shares haunting similarities with Rishi’s case. On December 11, 2023, Atul was found dead in his Bengaluru apartment, leaving behind a 24-page suicide note that accused his estranged wife and her family of harassment and extortion.

Allegations Against Atul’s Wife

According to the FIR filed by Atul’s brother, Bikas Kumar, the deceased’s wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family:

• Filed multiple false cases against Atul.
• Demanded ₹3 crore to settle disputes.
• Prevented Atul from meeting his son unless he paid ₹30 lakh.

Atul’s note described the unbearable harassment he faced, which pushed him to take the drastic step of ending his life. A case has since been registered at the Marathahalli Police Station, and investigations are underway.

In the wake of these tragedies, #JusticeForRishi has gained significant traction on social media, with users drawing attention to the challenges faced by men in abusive relationships and the alleged misuse of legal protections.

Social Media’s Role

Rishi’s brother, Omji, took to X to share his family’s ordeal, sparking widespread outrage and solidarity. Many users expressed their support, sharing similar stories of men facing harassment and demanding legislative reforms to protect men from abuse.

The hashtag has become a rallying cry for justice, with users highlighting:

• The lack of legal recourse for men facing domestic abuse.
• The alleged misuse of laws intended to protect women.
• The need for balanced legislation that ensures fairness and justice for all.

Calls for Legislative Reform

Many advocates and social media users are calling for changes to the legal system to address the systemic issues that allow such cases to persist. Suggestions include:

• Establishing gender-neutral laws for domestic violence and harassment.
• Ensuring swift and impartial investigations in cases of alleged abuse.
• Providing mental health support and resources for men in distress.

The tragedies of Rishi and Atul are not isolated incidents. They shed light on a broader issue: the mental health challenges faced by men, particularly those subjected to harassment or abuse.

Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health

Cultural and societal norms often discourage men from seeking help or speaking out about their struggles. This stigma can lead to feelings of isolation, helplessness, and despair, increasing the risk of self-harm.

Need for Support Systems

Experts emphasize the importance of creating support systems for men, including:

• Accessible mental health services tailored to men’s needs.
• Awareness campaigns to destigmatize seeking help.
• Legal reforms to ensure men have avenues for redressal and justice.

The public outcry over the deaths of Rishi and Atul highlights the urgent need for systemic change. As the #JusticeForRishi movement continues to gain momentum, it serves as a reminder that justice and fairness must be extended to all, regardless of gender.

Building a Fair Legal Framework

Advocates for reform argue that the legal system must:

1. Address the misuse of protective laws.
2. Recognize the vulnerabilities faced by men in abusive relationships.
3. Ensure timely and unbiased investigations into allegations of harassment.

Raising Awareness

Awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in:

• Educating the public about the realities of domestic abuse faced by men.
• Encouraging open discussions about mental health and the importance of seeking help.
• Highlighting the need for balanced and inclusive laws.

Conclusion

The tragic stories of Rishi Trivedi and Atul Subhash have struck a chord with people across the nation, sparking conversations about the need for justice, fairness, and systemic change. The #JusticeForRishi movement is not just a call for accountability in these specific cases but a demand for a more equitable society where no one’s suffering is ignored.

As the movement gains momentum, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, support, and action in building a society that values and protects all its members. Only by addressing these issues head-on can we hope to prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure that justice is truly blind to gender.