Patna: Anju Modi, the mother of AI engineer late Atul Subhash from Samastipur, has filed a habeas corpus petition in the Supreme Court seeking the custody of her 4-year-old grandson. A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and N Kotiswar Singh issued notices to the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Karnataka, asking them to clarify the situation. The next hearing is scheduled for January 7.
In her petition, Anju Modi claims that neither Atul’s estranged wife Nikita Singhania nor her family, who are currently in custody, have disclosed the whereabouts of the child. Nikita reportedly told the police that the child is enrolled in a boarding school in Faridabad and under the care of her uncle Sushil Singhania. However, Sushil has denied knowing anything about the child’s whereabouts.
Anju Modi also alleged that the Singhania family has obstructed efforts to locate the child. Atul Subhash’s father, Pawan Kumar, has also publicly demanded the custody of his grandson. Atul, who tragically committed suicide on December 8, left behind videos and written notes accusing his wife and in-laws of harassment and false allegations.
The case has seen several arrests. Nikita Singhania, her mother Nisha Singhania, and her brother Anurag Singhania were arrested on December 16 by Karnataka police, who charged them with abetting Atul’s suicide based on the evidence in the suicide note and videos. The three are currently in judicial custody.
Atul Subhash’s family has alleged that Nikita and her family harassed him through false legal cases and financial demands. Pawan Kumar and his son, Vikas Kumar, have vowed not to immerse Atul’s ashes until justice is served.
