Karnataka BJP Demands Action Following Party Worker’s Suicide; Threatens Protest if No Response
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Synopsis
The Karnataka BJP demands urgent action from the state government after the suicide of party worker Vinay Somaiah, who cited harassment from Congress members. A protest is threatened if no response is received.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka BJP seeks immediate government action.
- Vinay Somaiah's suicide linked to alleged harassment.
- BJP threatens protest if no response from authorities.
- Former Speaker claims Congress targeted Somaiah.
- Legal guidelines on police actions cited by Bopaiah.
Bengaluru, April 4 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has called on the state government to swiftly address the circumstances surrounding the tragic suicide of BJP worker Vinay Somaiah, who took his own life after alleging mistreatment by a Congress MLA and local party members.
The BJP has issued a warning, stating that if the government does not take action, they will initiate a protest.
BJP state President, B.Y. Vijayendra, expressed, “Vinay Somaiah, a young member of our party, has died by suicide here in Bengaluru. His death stemmed from the harassment he endured at the hands of the local MLA and Congress party followers. He left behind a death note addressing these issues. This is a devastating and sorrowful incident.”
Vijayendra accused the Congress government of increasingly targeting BJP members since taking office in Karnataka.
“Our party workers face relentless harassment. FIRs are being filed against them without just cause, and our members are being mistreated,” he asserted.
He further mentioned that the contents of Vinay Somaiah’s death note revealed that the ongoing pressure led him to make this tragic decision.
“I urge Home Minister G. Parameshwara to view this situation humanely and investigate whether any MLAs or individuals were implicated, and to ensure strict action is taken.
“Justice for Vinay Somaiah must prevail, irrespective of the influence of those involved. Should the state government fail to respond, the BJP will organize a large-scale protest. Immediate measures are necessary.”
Former Assembly Speaker K.G. Bopaiah commented on the situation, claiming that Congress members had been preparing to label Vinay Somaiah as a rowdy.
“He was an active participant in our social media state committee, raising awareness about local issues in the Madikeri district through a WhatsApp group. Despite residing in Bengaluru, he maintained his ties to his hometown of Somwarpet,” Bopaiah stated.
He described the events leading to the alleged police actions. “There was controversy over a foul-smelling public toilet in the Napoklu area. A post was made about it, accompanied by a photo of Congress MLA A.S. Ponnanna, which led Congress worker Thennira Maheena to file a police complaint.”
Bopaiah referenced legal protocols, stating, “The Supreme Court has explicitly stated that in cases where the alleged crime carries a sentence of less than seven years, the police should not make an immediate arrest after an FIR is lodged. Instead, they must issue a notice under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act.”
“I had spoken to Vinay and encouraged him to remain resilient,” Bopaiah added. “Yet, he ultimately took his own life. Congress MLAs A.S. Ponnanna, Manthar Gowda, and Congress worker Thennira Maheena bear direct responsibility for Vinay’s death. All three should be arrested,” he insisted.
The 35-year-old BJP worker Vinay Somaiah, who had previously been arrested for making comments about Ponnanna, died by suicide on Friday.
Ponnanna serves as the Legal Advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Vinay reportedly took his life at the BJP party office in HBR Layout. According to police reports, he arrived at the office on Thursday night and decided to stay. He posted a death note in a WhatsApp group prior to hanging himself.
In his final message, he expressed that his death should serve as a warning against the filing of politically-motivated FIRs.
