Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 4: A 35-year-old BJP worker, Vinay Somaiah, tragically ended his life at the party office in Bengaluru’s HBR Layout in the early hours of Friday. The incident has sent shockwaves through political circles, with allegations surfacing that the suicide was triggered by humiliation and distress following his arrest in a politically charged case involving Congress MLA and CM’s legal advisor A S Ponnanna.

Vinay, a native of Kodagu district and operations manager at a private firm, had been arrested two months ago after a complaint was filed by a Congress worker over a comment in a WhatsApp group where he served as an admin. The FIR, filed at Madikeri police station, named Vinay and two others. Although he was later granted bail and the high court stayed the investigation, the emotional toll appeared to linger.

Vinay Somaiah (left) and A S Ponnanna

According to police sources, Vinay arrived at the BJP office on Thursday night and did not return home. Early Friday morning, he posted a message in a WhatsApp group—believed to be his final note—stating that a politically motivated FIR had shattered his reputation and self-respect. Shortly after, he was found hanging inside the office premises.

The incident took place within Hennur police station limits. Vinay’s family members have alleged that he was deeply disturbed by what they call a wrongful arrest and public humiliation.

Survived by his parents, wife, and child, Vinay’s death has prompted a strong response from the BJP. State president B Y Vijayendra is said to have taken note of all developments, with party insiders indicating plans to stage a protest in the coming days, targeting MLA Ponnanna and questioning the role of the Congress government in the sequence of events leading to Vinay’s death.

Further investigation is underway.