My Death Should Be a Warning Against Politically Motivated FIRs: Karnataka BJP Worker’s Final Note

Bengaluru, April 4 (NationPress) A BJP worker tragically took his own life on Friday following his arrest over remarks about Karnataka Congress MLA A.S. Ponnanna. In his last note, he stated that his death should serve as a warning against the filing of politically motivated FIRs.

Ponnanna currently serves as the Legal Advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Reports suggest that the BJP worker was overwhelmed by the shame associated with his arrest. This incident occurred within the confines of the Hennur police station in Bengaluru during the early hours of Friday.

The deceased has been identified as Vinay Somaiah, aged 35. He reportedly ended his life at the BJP party office located in HBR Layout. According to law enforcement, Somaiah arrived at the office on Thursday night and remained there. He shared his death note in a WhatsApp group prior to taking his life.

In his note, Vinay Somaiah expressed, “My death should serve as a lesson against the filing of politically motivated FIRs. The police should think critically before registering complaints. Is it fair to file an FIR simply because someone makes an allegation?”

He continued, “Please disseminate my message on social media to help put an end to the trend of FIRs being filed against innocent people. I have nothing to say to my family -- I am at a loss for words.”

Anticipating public inquiries, he added, “People will question what transpired after all these days since the FIR was lodged. I was eager to reunite with my family. I am ending my life while cherishing the precious moments spent with them. If possible, please forgive me.”

Somaiah specifically called out Congress worker Tennera Maina in his note, holding him accountable for his death. He also referenced Congress MLAs A.S. Ponnanna and Manthar Gowda.

“I am Vinay Somaiah. For the last two months, I have been unable to manage my mental state. Tennera Maina, who has toyed with my life, is directly responsible for my demise. I was blamed for a message in a WhatsApp group named ‘Kodagu Problems and Suggestions’ -- a group where I had just become an admin five days ago. This action stemmed purely from political animosity, aiming to depict me as a societal miscreant.”

He further wrote, “Tennera Maina ensured an FIR was filed and made the news go viral across Kodagu district, along with my image. How can someone’s personal photo be shared on social media without consent, especially when the allegations are baseless? Imagine the distress my family endured upon seeing that.”

Somaiah claimed that he had not communicated with his mother since the FIR was filed until he was granted bail. He also referred to a previous suicide allegedly linked to Tennera Maina, stating, “I am not the first victim of Tennera Maina. Inquire about the suicide that occurred when his wife was hospitalized. That case also deserves scrutiny, and the guilty must be held accountable.”

He defended himself regarding the WhatsApp group post, asserting, “There was no defamatory content. Political adversaries exploited the situation to conspire against me. Even after securing bail, law enforcement continued to pursue me and interrogated my friends and family.”

Somaiah alleged police harassment and political coercion. “A constable from Madikeri informed me that this was being conducted under the direction of MLA A.S. Ponnanna. MLA Ponnanna made false assertions about me to one of my acquaintances. If I had called him, let him present the call logs.”

Clarifying his participation in the WhatsApp group, he stated, “It’s accurate that I sent a message, but the objectionable content originated from another individual. I had alerted that person and even provided a screenshot. No FIR was lodged against that individual. So how is it justified to file an FIR against me?”

He also mentioned another Congress MLA: “Manthar Gowda admonished me harshly after I voiced concerns regarding the Kushalnagar government hospital. He warned me against posting anything in groups without prior notification to him. I possess evidence of the calls he made.”

Somaiah further alleged online harassment from one Harish Poovaiah. “He continues to circulate our photos in Kodava community groups, labeling us as miscreants. Even after a High Court stay on the FIR, how is it fair to brand us as miscreants? I’ve heard they’re planning to create a rowdy sheet against me. These individuals must be punished for justice to prevail.”

In an emotional plea to his party, he wrote, “I urge the BJP family in Karnataka -- party leaders and workers -- to support my family. Even a donation of Rs 1 from each member could secure my wife and child’s future. Please assist them and do not subject my mother, wife, daughter, or family to further distress.”

He expressed appreciation for the BJP leaders who supported him: “I thank former MP Pratap Simha, former Speaker K.G. Bopaiah, former MLA Appachu Ranjan, and others who stood by me when the FIR was filed.”

The situation has now taken a political turn, with BJP leaders strongly condemning the incident. Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and other BJP leaders visited the mortuary.

Two months prior, Vinay Somaiah, a resident of the Kodagu district, was arrested for allegedly posting a comment against MLA Ponnanna.

Charges were filed against him as he was the administrator of the WhatsApp group where the post appeared. Following a complaint from Congress worker Tennera Maina, the Madikeri police registered an FIR against three individuals, including Somaiah.

He was subsequently released on bail. According to his family, the High Court had issued a stay on the investigation. In his final message, Somaiah asserted that he had endured humiliation and torment for no wrongdoing, and the incident had profoundly impacted his dignity and honor.

Somaiah is survived by his parents, wife, and a child. He also worked as an operations manager in a private firm.