Agra: A distressing case of suicide has once again brought attention to the silent struggles men face in society. Manav Sharma, a 29-year-old recruitment manager at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), was found dead in his Agra residence on February 24. His death, allegedly triggered by marital discord, has ignited conversations about mental health, emotional abuse, and the need for legal protections for men.

A Heartbreaking Goodbye: The Last Video Message

Before taking the extreme step, Manav recorded a deeply emotional video lasting nearly seven minutes. In the video, he can be seen visibly distressed, pleading with society to “think and talk about men.” Holding back tears, he expressed his frustration over a lack of support for men in troubled relationships.

“So, this is for the authorities… The law needs to protect men, or else a time will come when there will be no men left,” he stated with a pained voice.

Manav revealed in the video that he had discovered his wife’s extramarital affair but had chosen to remain silent. “Let me share my situation. It’s the same as many others… I found out that my wife was sleeping with someone else. But never mind, let it be,” he said.

He repeatedly urged society to acknowledge the emotional struggles men endure, emphasizing, “Someone please talk about men. They are very lonely.”

Manav’s message to his parents was equally heart-wrenching. “Dad, sorry… Mom, sorry… But guys, please understand, as soon as I go, everything will be fine.” He admitted that he had attempted suicide multiple times before, revealing scars on his wrists. His final words, “Don’t touch my parents… Okay then, peace out,” have left his family and friends devastated.

Family’s Fight for Justice

Following Manav’s tragic death, his grieving family attempted to file a complaint at Sadar Police Station. However, they were allegedly turned away by the officers, citing Maha Shivratri duties. Undeterred, they escalated the matter to the Chief Minister’s portal. It was only after sustained pressure that the police finally registered a case based on a complaint received via WhatsApp.

Manav’s father, Narendra Kumar Sharma, a retired Air Force officer, claimed that his son’s marriage was fraught with conflicts. He alleged that Manav had been mentally harassed by his wife, who frequently threatened him with false legal cases. According to him, this emotional turmoil ultimately pushed Manav to take his own life.

Wife Speaks Out: ‘It Was My Past’

In response to the allegations, Manav’s wife, Nikita Sharma, shared her side of the story. She claimed that her past was being unfairly held against her and that Manav had struggled to cope with it, turning to alcohol in frustration.

She further alleged that Manav often became aggressive under the influence of alcohol and that she had tried to seek help from his family, but they ignored her concerns. “I saved him from suicide three times before,” she stated, adding that despite her efforts, he ultimately chose to leave her at her parents’ house before taking his own life.

Following Manav’s final rites, Nikita claimed that her in-laws forcibly threw her out of their house, holding her responsible for his death.

Legal Action and Investigation Underway

The Agra Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Vinayak Gopal stated, “We received information from the military hospital in Agra that a person named Manav was brought in a deceased state. It was later found that he had ended his life by hanging. No arrests have been made so far.”

While a case has now been registered, Manav’s family continues to demand justice, alleging that their son was driven to suicide due to emotional abuse and false allegations.

A Larger Issue: The Silent Struggles of Men

Manav’s heartbreaking final message has sparked a larger discussion on men’s mental health and the challenges they face in relationships. While conversations about domestic abuse and harassment often focus on women, cases like Manav’s highlight the need for a balanced approach to justice and mental health support for men.

Mental health experts emphasize that societal expectations often prevent men from expressing their emotions openly. “Men are often expected to be strong and resilient, which makes it difficult for them to seek help when they are struggling,” said a leading psychologist.

Social media has since been flooded with messages calling for legal reforms and better support systems for men who suffer emotional and psychological abuse in relationships. The hashtag #JusticeForManav has been trending, with many demanding stricter laws to prevent the misuse of legal provisions in domestic disputes.

Need for Urgent Intervention

Manav Sharma’s death has once again underscored the importance of mental health awareness and legal protections for all individuals, irrespective of gender. Experts believe that better counseling services, legal reforms, and societal awareness are crucial to preventing such tragedies in the future.

As the investigation unfolds, one thing remains clear—Manav’s final plea to “think and talk about men” should not be ignored. His death must serve as a wake-up call to address the emotional struggles men face, ensuring that no one else feels as helpless as he did in his final moments.