Bengaluru: A political row has erupted in Karnataka after a BJP worker from Kodagu district died by suicide in Bengaluru on Friday. In his suicide note, Vinay Somaiah mentioned that he wants his death to be a ‘lesson’.
Somaiah, who was the group admin of a WhatsApp group ‘Kodagu Issues and Suggestions’, was booked by Kodagu police for an alleged derogatory post in the group. Although he maintained that he was not directly involved in posting any defamatory content, Somaiah was booked under what was claimed to be a ‘politically-motivated’ FIR.
Somaiah reportedly arrived at the BJP office in Thanisandra, East Bengaluru, on Thursday, stayed the night and ended his life next morning.
In a note he shared on a WhatsApp group shortly before ending his life, Somaiah wrote, “Let my death be a lesson.”
Somaiah alleged that Congress MLA AS Ponanna and Congress spokesperson Thennira Mahina were responsible for his death.
Alleging that he was forced to take this step due to political vendetta and humiliation, Somaiah wrote, “The police must investigate thoroughly before filing FIRs, instead of blindly registering them based on someone’s complaint. This message must circulate across all social media so that no innocent person suffers because of politically motivated FIRs.”
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said Bengaluru police will investigate the matter and take necessary action.
It all started with a ‘derogatory’ statement against Virajpet legislator Ponanna.
An FIR was filed based on a complaint by Congress spokesperson Thennira Mahina. Madikeri police booked three people, including Somaiah, under the case. Somaiah was arrested and released on bail.
Protests erupt, BJP demands justice
Following his suicide, there were protests across Kodagu, as BJP workers demanded justice for Somaiah. They said he was falsely implicated, defamed, and portrayed as a criminal, pushing him to take the extreme step.
“Vinay was booked after some third person posted a derogatory statement against Congress MLA. He was tortured by the police after the police were pressured by two Congress MLAs. Hence, a murder case must be booked against Thennira Mahina,” demanded BJP workers.
Roads were blocked and traffic came to a standstill as BJP workers shouted slogans against Congress and the police, demanding the presence of SP K Ramarajan.
“A resident posted on Whatsapp group stating that Napoklu toilet was unclean and stinking. While the concerned had to instruct the panchayat to ensure cleanliness, they booked cases against three people from the Whatsapp group, including Vinay. As per law, notice had to be served for derogatory posts. But all these procedures were ignored, and the three people, including Vinay, were threatened by the police. Mahina must be imprisoned, and lawful action must be initiated against the two Congress MLAs,” demanded former MLA KG Bopaiah.
“Vinay died by suicide due to continuous threat and torture by Congress workers. But this is not a suicide but a murder case. The MLAs must resign from their post and a fair investigation must be led into the matter,” BJP district president Ravi Kalappa said.
The SP arrived at the spot later and assured protesters of lawful action.
The protestors threatened to call a bandh in the district if Mahina was not booked by police.
Ponnanna and Mahina did not respond to calls and messages on the issue.
