Madikeri/Bengaluru: Opposition BJP has demanded action against those allegedly responsible for the suicide of its party worker, Vinay Somaiah, who in a death note claimed he was harassed by two Congress MLAs and a member of the party. BJP has warned of protests if the govt fails to act.
Opposition leaders R Ashoka and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy demanded a CBI investigation. “Congress MLAs AS Ponnanna and Manthar Gowda, and party worker Thennira Maheena are directly responsible for Vinay’s death. All three must be arrested,” Ashoka said. However, police have not named the three in the FIR.
In Kodagu, BJP members staged a demonstration and blocked Gen KS Thimayya Circle in Madikeri town. Former speaker KG Bopaiah, an ex-MLA from Virajpet, said Congress workers had been preparing to open a rowdysheet against Somaiah.
“He was an active member of our state social media team, raising awareness about local issues in Madikeri through a WhatsApp group. Even though he lived in Bengaluru, he kept close track of events in Somwarpet, his hometown,” Bopaiah said.
Detailing the chain of events, Bopaiah said: “A foul-smelling public toilet in Napoklu was discussed in the group and a photo of Ponnanna was posted alongside it. Congress worker Thennira Maheena filed a police complaint over this.” The former speaker alleged police did not follow protocol in the case.
BJP state president BY Vijayendra accused Congress govt of targeting BJP workers. “Our workers have been continuously harassed. FIRs are being filed without reason, and they are being tortured,” he claimed.
Not involved, says Ponnanna
Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna, also the CM’s legal adviser, denied allegations of harassment and insisted that he is not involved in the suicide of BJP worker Vinay Somaiah. “I did not even know who he was,” Ponnanna said. He attacked BJP saying: “The party has continuously spread false propaganda. I did not file a complaint for the criticism directed at me, nor did I ask anyone to do so,” he said. Asked about reports that say his name was mentioned in the deceased’s death note, Ponnanna dismissed it saying: “WhatsApp messages cannot be trusted.”