Protests erupt in Kushalnagar over BJP worker’s suicide

MADIKERI: Tensions flared in Kushalnagar on Saturday as BJP workers, led by senior state leaders, staged massive protests demanding the filing of an FIR against two Kodagu MLAs—A.S. Ponnanna and Mantar Gowda—whose names were allegedly mentioned in the suicide note of BJP worker Vinay Somaiah. Vinay died by suicide in Bengaluru on Friday.

Over 400 police personnel were deployed in anticipation of the unrest. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, and former MP Prathap Simha were briefly detained as they led the protest in front of the Kushalnagar Community Health Centre, where Vinay’s body had been brought. A procession followed on the Kudige-Kushalnagar Road, with demonstrators demanding police accountability and justice for Vinay.

“This is not governance, it’s Tughlaq Rule,” said Vijayendra. “We won’t leave till the MLAs’ names are in the FIR. Police must resist political influence.”

Drawing parallels to earlier controversial suicides like those of contractor Sachin Panchala and officer Chandrashekar, BJP leaders accused the Congress government of silencing voices that expose administrative failures. Vijayendra also alleged that Congress MLAs and police exploited Vinay despite court stay orders.

The protest intensified as Vinay’s body was moved to his hometown Gonimaruru. BJP leaders, including former MLA K.G. Bopaiah, were taken into preventive custody but released later. They attended Vinay’s funeral and reiterated demands for justice.

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