Bengaluru: A 35-year-old BJP worker allegedly committed suicide in Bengaluru on Friday, days after being arrested in connection with a social media post concerning Congress MLA and legal advisor to the Chief Minister AS Ponnanna.
The deceased, identified as Vinay Somaiah, a native of Kodagu district, reportedly ended his life at the BJP office in HBR Layout under the Hennur police station limits.
Somaiah was arrested two months ago following a complaint lodged by Congress worker Tennera Maina over a comment shared in a WhatsApp group of which Vinay was the administrator. The Madikeri police registered an FIR against three individuals, including Vinay, under relevant sections of the IPC and IT Act. He was later released on bail, and the High Court had reportedly stayed the investigation.
In his final note, Somaiah reportedly claimed that the case against him was politically motivated and that he had been subjected to humiliation and distress for no fault of his own. Family members said the incident had severely impacted his mental health and dignity.
He is survived by his parents, wife, and a child. Besides his political work, he was also employed as an operations manager in a private firm.
Reacting to the incident, the BJP has taken serious note of the matter and would launch a protest against the Congress MLA and Chief Minister's legal advisor in the coming days.
Police have initiated an investigation, and further details are awaited.