Key Points:
- Manav Sharma, a 29-year-old TCS recruitment manager, died by suicide on February 24 in Agra, leaving behind a heartbreaking video blaming his wife for harassment.
- In his final message, Sharma urged society to “think and talk about men” and highlighted the loneliness and mental health struggles faced by men.
- His family alleges that repeated threats of false cases from his wife and a troubled marriage led him to take this extreme step.
- The incident has reignited discussions on mental health, domestic harassment, and the need for legal protections for men.
New Delhi: Manav Sharma, a recruitment manager at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Mumbai, was found dead in his Agra home on February 24. Before taking his life, Sharma recorded a seven-minute emotional video in which he blamed his wife for harassment and pleaded with society to acknowledge the struggles faced by men. His death has sparked widespread outrage and discussions about mental health, domestic harassment, and legal protections for men in India.
The Final Video: A Heartbreaking Plea
In the video discovered on Sharma’s phone after his death, he is seen crying as he shares the emotional turmoil that led to his decision. Addressing law enforcement and society at large, he said:
“This is for the authorities—the police and law enforcement. The law needs to protect men. If things continue like this, there will come a time when there will be no men left. No man on whom you can shift blame.”
Sharma revealed that he had discovered his wife’s infidelity but decided to let it go. However, he spoke of feeling trapped and lonely. “Please think about men. Someone talk about men. They are very lonely,” he pleaded.
He also apologized to his parents in the video, saying: “Dad, sorry. Mom, sorry. But understand this once I’m gone, everything will be fine. Everything will get better after my death.”
Sharma admitted to previous suicide attempts and showed scars on his wrist from past incidents. His final words were a desperate call for change: “I am still trying to figure out how to die… Please think about the men in your life.”
Family Alleges Harassment
Manav’s father, Narendra Kumar Sharma, an Air Force retiree, described his son as hardworking but deeply troubled by his marriage. He claimed that Manav’s wife repeatedly threatened him with false legal cases and created a hostile environment at home.
The family alleged that Manav dropped his wife off at her parents’ home in Agra just a day before his death due to escalating tensions between them. His father said these threats and constant arguments pushed Manav into despair.
Wife Responds: A Troubled Marriage
Manav’s wife, Nikita Sharma, has denied the allegations of harassment and shared her side of the story. She claimed that her past was unfairly held against her after Manav discovered it. According to Nikita, this revelation caused him to turn to alcohol and become argumentative.
She also alleged that she had saved Manav from multiple suicide attempts in the past but was unable to prevent this tragedy. “I tried calling my in-laws repeatedly on the day it happened, but no one answered,” she said.
Nikita further claimed that her in-laws blamed her for Manav’s death and threw her out of their home after his final rites.
Police Investigation Underway
The Sadar Police initially delayed registering a complaint due to Maha Shivratri duties but later filed an FIR based on a WhatsApp complaint from Manav’s family. An investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Authorities are examining the video evidence and allegations made by both parties. The case has also raised questions about how such disputes are handled by law enforcement and whether adequate support systems exist for men facing domestic harassment.
A Broader Conversation: Mental Health and Men’s Rights
Manav’s tragic death has reignited debates on several critical issues:
- Mental Health Awareness:
The incident highlights the urgent need for mental health resources tailored to address men’s struggles with loneliness, societal expectations, and emotional suppression. - Domestic Harassment Protections:
While laws exist to protect women from domestic violence, there is growing demand for legal safeguards for men facing harassment or false accusations in marriages. - Workplace Mental Health:
As an IT professional working in a high-pressure environment, Manav’s case underscores the importance of workplace programs addressing stress management and mental well-being.
Societal Reactions: A Call for Change
Manav’s video has gone viral on social media platforms, sparking widespread discussions about gender dynamics and mental health challenges faced by men:
- Many users echoed his plea for society to “think about men” and called for reforms in laws governing domestic disputes.
- Activists have pointed out that while women face significant challenges in patriarchal societies like India, men often lack platforms or support systems to voice their struggles.
- Experts have emphasized that mental health issues must be destigmatized across all genders.
A Tragedy That Demands Action
Manav Sharma’s tragic death serves as a grim reminder of the mental health crisis affecting individuals across genders but often overlooked when it comes to men. His emotional plea has sparked conversations about societal expectations, domestic harassment laws, and the importance of creating safe spaces for open dialogue.
As investigations continue, this case highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms both legal and social to prevent similar tragedies in the future. It also underscores the importance of listening to those who feel unheard before it’s too late.
