Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, April 4: Home minister G Parameshwara on Friday assured that action would be taken after a thorough police investigation into the suicide of BJP worker Vinay Somaiah, who was earlier arrested for alleged comments against Congress MLA A S Ponnanna.

Vinay, 35, reportedly died by suicide at the BJP party office in HBR Layout, Bengaluru, on Friday. Police said he had arrived at the office on Thursday night and stayed back. Before taking his life, he posted a death note in a WhatsApp group.

MLA Ponnanna, who also serves as the legal advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, denied any involvement in the case. "I neither instructed anyone to file a complaint against Vinay Somaiah nor did I ask anyone to initiate legal action," he said.

Parameshwara, speaking to the media, stated that an investigation would be conducted, and action would follow based on the report from the jurisdictional deputy commissioner of Police (DCP). He urged caution against misinformation on social media and assured that verified facts would determine the course of action.

The controversy began when a complaint was filed against Vinay Somaiah for making comments in a WhatsApp group about Ponnanna. The FIR was reportedly registered through the court by Thennira Maheena, a private complainant. Ponnanna clarified that he had not seen the death note and that the complaint was filed four months ago.

“Vinay had sent me a message regarding a temple issue in Madikeri. He also mentioned being upset over a post about Goddess Cauvery that he wanted deleted. But can an MLA get messages deleted from all WhatsApp groups?” Ponnanna questioned.

Following his arrest, Vinay was released on bail but allegedly struggled with humiliation and pressure, leading to his suicide. His death has triggered political tensions, with the BJP blaming Congress for the incident.

The police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter.

When asked about the role of Ponnanna, HM Parameshwara clarified that an investigation would be launched as soon as an FIR is registered in the case. “Whoever is found guilty will face appropriate legal action,” he assured.

Meanwhile, Ponnanna, speaking to the media, said he had not yet seen the death note. He confirmed that a complaint had indeed been lodged, but that it had happened four months ago.

“I neither instructed anyone to file a complaint against Vinay Somaiah, nor did I ask anyone to initiate legal action,” he said.

“Vinay had also sent me a poignant message saying I was unable to get a post about Goddess Cauvery deleted. Can an MLA get messages deleted from all WhatsApp groups?” he asked.

Regarding the FIR, Ponnanna said, “Thennira Maheena got the FIR registered through the court. Is it illegal to do so? It should be handled legally. The incident occurred four months ago. The police did not file the case directly. Moreover, there are several complaints lodged against Thennira Maheena as well.”