Vinay Somaiah Death: They Ruined My Life, Suicide Note Of Kodagu Man Alleges Political Vendetta

A 35-year-old man was found dead by suicide in his office in Bengaluru's Nagawara area on Friday. In a letter, he alleged that a politically motivated FIR, orchestrated by a local Congress leader, forced him to die by suicide. The man, identified as BJP functionary Vinay Somaiah, accused Congress functionary Thennira Mahina MLA AS Ponnanna, and others of harassment and false implication in a case.

Vinay, a native of Somwarpet in Karnataka's Kodagu district, was an administrator of the WhatsApp group "Kodagina Samasyegalu," where a controversial post against Congress MLA and legal advisor to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, AS Ponnanna, had been shared. The post contained an edited image of Ponnanna in traditional Kodava attire alongside a toilet, accompanied by derogatory text.

Vinay stated that a message forwarded in the group led to an FIR being filed against him. The complaint, he said, portrayed him and others as 'anti-social elements,' causing massive social distress.

"I was made the admin just five days before the message was posted, but I was unfairly held responsible. Due to political hatred, people like Thennira Mahina have played with my life," he wrote. "He was the one who circulated our photos without permission, calling us rowdies and maligning our image across Kodagu."

Vinay accused Maheena of being directly responsible for his death and also hinted at Maheena's alleged involvement in another suicide case, demanding an investigation into that incident as well.

He added that even after receiving bail, Madikeri police continued to harass his relatives and friends. He alleged that the police visited his cousin's house the very next day, seeking to arrest him despite court relief.

''Chalan anna, Vishnu anna, and Sachin anna-please stand with my family and ensure everything is conducted properly. When an FIR was filed against me, those who stood by me like Pratap Simha, KG Bopaiah, Appachu Ranjan (MP), Chalan, Sachin, Rakesh Devayya, Advocate Nishanth, and Advocate Mohan-I am deeply grateful to all of you,'' he wrote.

''It is true that I sent a message-but I had only forwarded a voice message that someone else sent me, to inform him of the matter. I even shared the screenshot. But instead of filing an FIR for that, they filed one against us based on some photo someone shared. How is that justice?

''When I inquired in a group about the Kushalnagar Government Hospital, Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda called me and scolded me for posting such messages in the group. He said, "Why post this in the group? If you need anything, tell me directly," he wrote, adding that he had provided WhatsApp call logs and screenshots as evidence.

Vinay pleaded with Karnataka BJP leaders and workers to support his family-his mother, wife, and daughter-both emotionally and financially.

"Even if each person contributes a rupee, it will help secure my wife and daughter's future," he wrote. "I humbly request that no one apply for leave and travel to attend my funeral. Just bless my family from wherever you are."

He requested that his close friends Chalan, Vishnu, and Sachin stand with his family and ensure that all funeral rituals proceed smoothly.

Vinay concluded his message by expressing his emotional turmoil and helplessness.

"For two months, my mind has been out of control. This FIR and the public humiliation shattered me. Let my death serve as a lesson against politically motivated FIRs. Let innocent lives not be ruined this way again," he wrote.

He ended with a final farewell: "To everyone, my final namaste. I'm going with all your blessings. Please forgive me if possible."

His death has triggered shock and calls for accountability in Kodagu, with several demanding a fair investigation into his claims of political harassment and the abuse of law enforcement for personal vendettas.