Bengaluru BJP worker dies by suicide, blames Congress

that Somaiah, who hailed from the the Kodagu district, was arrested in connection with posting a comment against Congress MLA AS Ponnanna

A BJP functionary allegedly died by suicide inside his office in Bengaluru's Nagawara area. According to reports, he alleged that a politically motivated FIR, orchestrated by a local Congress leader, forced him to take the step.

Vinay Somaiah (35) accused Congress functionary Tenneera Maheena, MLA AS Ponnanna, and others of harassment and false implication in a case.

A report by Times of India stated that Somaiah, who hailed from Kodagu district, was arrested in connection with posting a comment against Congress MLA AS Ponnanna.

He was later released on bail. Despite securing a court stay on the case, Vinay alleged continued harassment from the police and political figures.

"For the past two months, I have not been in control of my mind. One person posted a WhatsApp message in the 'Kodagu Problems and Suggestions' WhatsApp group. I, who was made an admin just five days before, was held responsible for it. A politically motivated FIR was filed against me, and I was labeled a miscreant in society. Tenneera Maheena, who played with my life out of political hatred, is directly responsible for my death," Vinay wrote in his suicide letter.

Vinay was reportedly an administrator of the WhatsApp group "Kodagina Samasyegalu," where a controversial post against Congress MLA and legal advisor to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, AS Ponnanna, had been shared.

"The police will investigate the matter and take necessary action. During the investigation, the truth will come out, and action will be taken based on the findings," news agency ANI quoted state home minister G Parameshwara as saying.

BJP state president BY Vijayendra said the alleged  suicide of Somaiah is deeply tragic and concerning. "In light of his death, a fair, transparent, and thorough investigation is imperative to uncover the truth...Since the Congress government came to power, BJP workers have reportedly faced increasing harassment, intimidation, and abuse..." he told reporters.

According to NDTV, Vinay feared that authorities intended to label him a "rowdy-sheeter". He also urged BJP leaders to support his family financially. He urged authorities to stop politically motivated FIRs, stating that his death should serve as a lesson.

"Tenneera Maheena is the root cause of all this. Politically motivated individuals are sharing his article on social media and defaming us, even after the High Court granted bail and a stay on the FIR. How fair is it to keep calling us criminals even after that? I've heard from some sources that there's even a plan to open a rowdy sheet on me," his letter read as quoted by NDTV.

The letter ended with Vinay asking for forgiveness and urged the Karnataka BJP unit to help his mother, wife and daughter "socially and financially".