A BJP worker from Karnataka's Kodagu district allegedly died by suicide on Friday after claiming harassment and humiliation over a politically charged police case. The deceased was identified as 35-year-old Vinay Somaiah. In his suicide note, Somaiah blamed Congress MLA AS Ponnanna for his extreme step. Notably, Ponnanna has also serves as the Legal Advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.As per the information, Somaiah had recently been arrested by Madikeri city police over allegations that he mocked Ponnanna in a WhatsApp post. The arrest was prompted by a complaint filed by a local Congress leader in Madikeri, leading to an FIR against Vinay. In his suicide note, Somaiah claimed that the FIR was politically motivated and unjust, as he was being held responsible for a post shared by another member of the "Kodagu Samasya Mattu Sujnevugalu" (Kodagu Problems and Suggestions) WhatsApp group, of which he was the admin.
Somaiah directly accused Ponnanna and local Congress leader Thenira Mahena of being responsible for his death. He alleged that his arrest brought immense humiliation to his family, and the police continued to harass him even after securing a bail. Nearly two months ago, Somaiah, a resident of Karnataka’s Kodagu district, found himself entangled in a legal battle after being arrested for a seemingly light-hearted comment made against MLA AS Ponnanna. The comment triggered a complaint from Congress worker Tennera Maina, prompting the Madikeri police to file an FIR against Somaiah and two others.
Somaiah's family revealed that the Karnataka High Court had granted a stay on the investigation, yet he continued to face alleged harassment and humiliation that deeply scarred his dignity. In his final message, Somaiah expressed anguish over the relentless pressure and torment he endured, maintaining that he was punished for no fault of his own. The incident has now escalated into a political controversy with BJP leaders demanding accountability for the party worker's death.Meanwhile, Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara addressed the matter on Friday, assuring a thorough investigation into the incident.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.