A 35-year-old BJP functionary, Vinay Somaiah, was found dead by suicide in his office in Bengaluru’s Nagawara area on Friday. In a letter left behind, he claimed that a politically motivated case, allegedly orchestrated by a Congress leader, drove him to take his own life.
Vinay, a native of Somwarpet in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, was an administrator of a WhatsApp group called Kodagina Samasyegalu (Kodagu Problems and Suggestions). A controversial post targeting Congress MLA AS Ponnanna, who is also the legal advisor to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, was shared in the group. The post featured an edited image of Ponnanna in traditional Kodava attire next to a toilet, along with derogatory text.
Following this, an FIR was registered against both the person who posted the image and the group’s administrators, including Vinay, who was listed as Accused No. 3. He was arrested but later granted bail. Despite securing a court stay on the case, Vinay alleged that he continued to face harassment from the police and political figures.
Allegations in the Suicide Note
Vinay’s suicide note detailed the emotional distress he had been experiencing for months.
“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,” he wrote.
He further expressed fears that authorities were planning to label him a “rowdy-sheeter,” which would permanently damage his reputation. He urged BJP leaders to support his family and called for an end to the misuse of legal cases for political purposes.
“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 continued.
In his final words, Vinay sought forgiveness and made an emotional appeal to Karnataka’s BJP leadership to support his mother, wife, and daughter.
“Some might wonder why this is happening after so many days since the incident. I was waiting to go home and see everyone one last time. I am bidding farewell with the sweet memories I have with my family,” he wrote.
Government’s Response and Investigation
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has assured a high-level probe into the case, which will be led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP). Authorities are investigating the allegations and circumstances surrounding Vinay’s death.
