Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 4: In a deeply disturbing incident that has triggered political outrage in Karnataka, a 35-year-old BJP worker, Vinay Somaiah, allegedly died by suicide at the party’s office in Bengaluru, citing harassment and humiliation over a politically charged FIR filed against him.
His suicide note, shared in a WhatsApp group before the act, holds Congress leaders and party workers responsible for his mental anguish.
The incident occurred within the Hennur police station limits early Friday. Somaiah, a native of Kodagu district, was arrested two months ago for allegedly posting objectionable content in a WhatsApp group titled ‘Kodagu problems and suggestions’, which reportedly included remarks about Congress MLA A S Ponnanna.
In his emotional suicide note, Somaiah stated: “My death should serve as a lesson against filing politically motivated FIRs. The police should apply their minds before registering complaints.”
Somaiah was granted bail after his arrest, and the Karnataka High Court had reportedly issued a stay on the investigation. Despite this, he alleged continuous harassment from police and Congress supporters, particularly naming Congress worker Tennera Maina, along with MLAs A S Ponnanna and Manthar Gowda.
He claimed that his role as group admin was only five days old and that the defamatory message was posted by another member. He had notified the person responsible and even shared proof, but no FIR was filed against them. Instead, Somaiah alleged that his image was circulated on social media with the “miscreant” label, causing severe distress to his family.
“Even after securing bail, the police searched for me, questioned my friends and relatives, and I couldn’t speak to my mother until recently,” Somaiah wrote.
The BJP worker also accused MLA Manthar Gowda of intimidating him over a post criticizing the Kushalnagar government hospital, and claimed online harassment by another individual named Harish Poovaiah.
In a heartfelt appeal to BJP leaders and colleagues, he wrote: “Please support my family. Even a donation of Rs 1 from each BJP member could help secure their future.” He also thanked leaders like Pratap Simha, K G Bopaiah, and Appachu Ranjan for supporting him during his legal ordeal.
BJP leaders have reacted strongly, with Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and others visiting the mortuary and demanding accountability. They condemned what they termed as politically driven harassment leading to Somaiah’s tragic death.
Vinay Somaiah is survived by his wife, daughter, and parents. He worked as an operations manager in a private firm.
The incident has sparked a fresh political battle in Karnataka, with the BJP calling for an impartial investigation and demanding action against those named in Somaiah’s final message.