TCS Manager Manav Sharma’s Tragic Suicide in Agra Sparks Debate Over Men’s Mental Health and Marital Harassment

On February 24, 2025, a heartbreaking incident unfolded in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, when Manav Sharma, a 25-year-old Senior Process Associate at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), was found dead in his home, having taken his own life. The tragedy, marked by a nearly seven-minute video Sharma recorded before his death, has ignited a fierce public debate about men’s mental health, societal expectations, and the complexities of marital disputes. In the video, Sharma tearfully blamed his wife, Nikita Sharma, for relentless harassment, pleaded for society to “think and talk about men,” and urged authorities to address the lack of legal protections for men in distress. His death, eerily reminiscent of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash’s suicide in December 2024, has brought renewed attention to the often-overlooked struggles of men in India.

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The Incident: A Cry for Help Ignored

Manav Sharma, originally from Agra’s Defense Colony, worked as a recruitment manager with TCS in Mumbai. Married to Nikita Sharma on January 30, 2024, his life appeared stable until, according to his father, retired Air Force officer Narendra Sharma, the couple’s relationship deteriorated. On February 23, 2025, Manav and Nikita returned to Agra from Mumbai. After dropping Nikita off at her parental home, Manav returned to his residence alone. The next morning, he was discovered hanging in his room, a grim end to a life that, by his own account, had been marked by torment.

Before his death, Manav recorded an emotional video that has since gone viral. In it, he is visibly distraught, with a cloth around his neck and another tied to a ceiling fan. “This is for the authorities—the police, the legal system,” he said, his voice breaking. “The law needs to protect men, or there will come a time when there will be no men left.” He accused Nikita of infidelity and threatening him with false legal cases, claiming these actions pushed him to despair. Showing scars on his wrist, he admitted to prior suicide attempts, saying, “I’ve always been a quitter. I’ve tried to end my life multiple times before.” His final plea—”Please think about men, they are so lonely”—was a haunting call for recognition of male suffering.

The Family’s Claims and Legal Action

Narendra Sharma, devastated by the loss of his only son, filed a complaint alleging that Nikita and her family harassed Manav, driving him to suicide. According to Narendra, Nikita frequently quarreled with Manav, threatened to implicate the family in false cases, and expressed a desire to live with another man. After initial delays—attributed to police preoccupation with Maha Shivratri duties—the Sadar police registered a case on February 27, 2025, under Section 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, following a WhatsApp complaint. The investigation remains ongoing, with no arrests made as of February 28, 2025.

Manav’s family struggled to get their grievance heard immediately after his death. When they approached the police, they were reportedly turned away, prompting them to escalate the matter to the Chief Minister’s portal. The delay has fueled criticism of systemic inefficiencies and raised questions about how authorities handle such sensitive cases.

Nikita’s Counter-Narrative

Nikita Sharma has vehemently denied her husband’s accusations, presenting a starkly different version of events. In a counter-statement, she claimed that Manav struggled with alcohol addiction, which led to violent behavior and multiple suicide attempts during their year-long marriage. “He used to drink excessively and had attempted suicide multiple times. I saved him many times,” she told media outlets. Nikita alleged that Manav assaulted her when intoxicated and that she repeatedly sought help from his family, only to be dismissed with remarks like, “It’s a matter between husband and wife.” She also claimed that on the day of his death, she alerted her sister-in-law, Akanksha, about Manav’s suicidal intentions, but her warnings went unheeded.

Nikita further asserted that Manav’s grievances stemmed from her past, which he unfairly held against her after their marriage. “Whatever claims he made about me, it’s about my past, not anything after our marriage,” she said. Following Manav’s death, she alleged that her in-laws expelled her from their home, blaming her for his actions.

Echoes of Atul Subhash: A Pattern Emerges

Manav Sharma’s case bears striking similarities to that of Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old deputy general manager in Bengaluru who died by suicide in December 2024. Subhash left behind a 24-page suicide note and a video accusing his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her relatives of harassment, including exorbitant financial demands related to their son’s custody. His death sparked outrage and led to the arrest of his wife and her family members. Like Subhash, Sharma used his final moments to document his anguish, pointing to a perceived misuse of legal mechanisms and a lack of support for men facing marital strife.

Both cases have amplified discussions about whether India’s legal framework disproportionately favors women in domestic disputes, leaving men vulnerable to false accusations and emotional distress. Critics argue that laws intended to protect women—such as those addressing dowry harassment or domestic violence—are sometimes exploited, while men have few avenues for redress.

The Broader Debate: Men’s Mental Health in Focus

Manav Sharma’s plea—”Please, someone talk about men”—has struck a chord, exposing the silent epidemic of male mental health struggles in India. Societal norms often cast men as stoic providers, discouraging them from expressing vulnerability or seeking help. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, men accounted for over 70% of suicide deaths in India in 2022, a statistic that underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. Yet, conversations about mental health remain heavily skewed toward women, leaving men’s experiences underexplored.

Sharma’s video has triggered a polarized response. On platforms like X, some users hail him as a martyr for men’s rights, with hashtags like #JusticeForManav and #MensRights trending. “Another life lost to harassment,” one user posted, lamenting the “mental torment” inflicted by “abuse and threats of false cases.” Others caution against rushing to judgment, pointing to Nikita’s allegations of abuse and the need for a thorough investigation. “Suicide is not the solution,” another user wrote, advocating for faster resolution of marital disputes to prevent such tragedies.

Systemic Challenges and Societal Reflection

The Sharma case highlights several systemic issues: delayed police response, inadequate mental health resources, and a legal system struggling to balance gender equity. While India has helplines like Aasra (022-27546669) and Sneha (044-24640050), access to counseling remains limited, particularly in smaller cities like Agra. Moreover, the stigma surrounding mental health—especially for men—deters many from seeking help until it’s too late.

Experts argue that constructive dialogue is essential. “We need to create an environment where both men and women feel heard,” says Dr. Rhea Patel, a psychologist based in Mumbai. “Marital disputes are complex, and reducing them to gender wars helps no one. Mental health support must be inclusive and proactive.” Others call for legal reforms to ensure fair treatment, suggesting mediation and counseling as alternatives to protracted litigation.

A Call to Action

Manav Sharma’s death is a stark reminder of the human cost of unresolved conflict and societal neglect. His final words—laden with pain and resignation—challenge us to rethink how we address mental health and gender dynamics. As the police investigation unfolds, the focus must extend beyond blame to prevention. How can society foster empathy and support for all, ensuring no one feels so isolated that suicide becomes their only escape?

This tragedy demands more than outrage—it calls for action. Strengthening mental health infrastructure, destigmatizing help-seeking among men, and promoting equitable legal processes are critical steps forward. Only through such efforts can we honor Manav Sharma’s plea and prevent others from following in his footsteps.

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