Vinay Somaiah’s Suicide: Didn’t File FIR, Congress MLA And CM's Legal Advisor AS Ponnanna Clarifies Role

The suicide of BJP worker Vinay Somaiah, a 36-year-old resident of Gonimaruru village in Somwarpet, has sparked widespread concern. Vinay, who was working in Bengaluru, died by suicide on Friday after being arrested in connection with a controversial social media post involving Karnataka Congress MLA AS Ponnanna. In his final note, Vinay reportedly wrote that his death should serve as a warning against the filing of politically motivated FIRs. He had been facing intense public humiliation on social media in the weeks leading up to his death.

Vinay was one of the admin of a WhatsApp group named 'Kodagina Samasyegalu'. Back in January, a post was shared in the group containing an image of a poorly maintained public toilet on Moornadu Road in Madikeri, paired with a photo of Congress MLA A.S. Ponnanna. The post sparked political outrage, and a police complaint was filed by Congress leaders. A case was later registered against the person who shared the post and two group admins, including Vinay.

Although the accused secured anticipatory bail, Vinay was reportedly subjected to continuous online harassment. His photograph continued to circulate across social media groups with negative commentary, leading to emotional distress.

On the morning of his death, Vinay posted a farewell message in the WhatsApp group, expressing the pain he had endured.

He wrote that he wanted peace in Kodagu and urged people not to misuse the law to file false cases. He ended the message by saying goodbye to the group members. He was later found dead at his residence in Bengaluru. In his final note, he named those he believed were responsible for his suffering.

MLA Ponnanna Responds

Speaking to local channel, Congress MLA AS Ponnanna expressed grief over the incident:"Vinay Somaiah's death has caused me great pain. No one should be pushed to take such a drastic step. May God give strength to his family to cope with the loss."

Ponnanna clarified that he had no direct link with Vinay and was unaware of the police complaint until after it was filed. "I had no personal contact with Vinay. I never spoke to him. I did not ask anyone to file a complaint. I only came to know about the post and the case after the FIR was registered. Since there is a High Court stay on the matter, the question of me pressuring the police does not arise."

He further said that the complaint was filed by Congress leader Tennera Maina due to personal defamation on social media. An FIR has also been registered against Maina as part of the legal process.

"If someone faces online defamation, approaching the police should not be seen as wrong," Ponnanna said.

He also shared an earlier interaction with Vinay, stating that during the Kattemadu temple dispute, Vinay had sent him a video made by a woman and had sternly requested it be removed from all WhatsApp groups. Ponnanna said he responded politely, asking to focus on developmental issues such as road infrastructure instead.

He urged people not to politicise the issue or exploit public sentiment. "Turning this into a political matter and stirring emotions will not help anyone. The truth will come out eventually."

Somaiah is survived by his parents, wife, and a young child. He held the position of operations manager at a private company.