BJP Worker’s Suicide Sparks Political Storm in Karnataka

Bengaluru: A tragic turn of events rocked Karnataka on Friday as BJP worker Vinay Somaiah died by suicide at his office, leaving behind a heartbreaking WhatsApp suicide note alleging harassment, humiliation, and politically motivated targeting. Vinay, 35, a native of Kodagu district, accused Congress MLA AS Ponnanna and party leader Thenira Mahena of being responsible for pushing him to the brink.

Vinay’s note claimed that he was wrongfully arrested by Madikeri police after a WhatsApp post mocking MLA Ponnanna surfaced. Although Vinay was merely the group admin and not the author of the post, an FIR was filed following a complaint by Congress functionary Mahena. Vinay maintained that the arrest brought shame to his family and that he continued to face harassment even after securing bail.

His family disclosed that despite the Karnataka High Court granting a stay on the investigation, Vinay was persistently intimidated, stripping him of his dignity. In his final message, he declared he was “punished for no fault of his own.”

Nearly two months ago, the controversy began with what appeared to be a light-hearted comment in the “Kodagu Samasya Mattu Sujnevugalu” WhatsApp group, which snowballed into a criminal case and personal trauma.

The suicide has triggered a political uproar, with BJP leaders demanding justice and holding Congress leaders accountable.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara has assured a full investigation. “A case is registered, and a detailed DCP-level probe is underway,” he said, emphasizing the need to verify the authenticity of WhatsApp posts and determine the real causes of Vinay’s death.

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