Vinay Somaiah, a 35-year-old BJP functionary, was found dead by suicide in his Bengaluru office on Friday. In his suicide note, he alleged that harassment from Congress leaders following a politically motivated FIR drove him to take this step.
The controversy began when a derogatory post against Congress MLA AS Ponnanna appeared in a WhatsApp group that Somaiah administered. Despite being group admin for only five days, Somaiah was held responsible, leading to his arrest. Though later released on bail and granted a stay on the FIR by the High Court, he claimed the harassment continued.
In his note, Somaiah specifically named Congress functionary Tenneera Maheena, MLA AS Ponnanna, and others as responsible for his death. He expressed fear that authorities planned to label him a “rowdy-sheeter” despite the court’s stay order. His final request asked the Karnataka BJP to support his family financially.
Somaiah’s brother Jeevan filed a police complaint alleging torture by Maheena, Ponnanna, MLA Virajpet, Manthur Gowda, and their supporters. Jeevan stated that despite the High Court stay, harassment continued with threats to place Somaiah on a rowdy sheeter list.
AS Ponnanna has denied these allegations, claiming he knew neither Somaiah nor Maheena and never requested an FIR filing.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara promised a DCP-level investigation, cautioning that not everything on social media is accurate. BJP leaders, including BY Vijayendra, have visited the family and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Somaiah’s death.
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