Echo of Vinay Somaiah’s suicide case

Madikeri: Led by former MP Prathap Simha, Jeevan, the brother of BJP worker Vinay Somaiah, who recently died by suicide in Bengaluru, filed a formal complaint with Kodagu Superintendent of Police (SP) K. Ramarajan and Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja.

The BJP delegation is demanding legal action against Congress MLAs A.S. Ponnanna, Dr. Manthar Gowda, their close aide Tennira Maina and a Police officer who allegedly issued threats to Vinay before his death.

Addressing reporters, Simha accused the Congress of manipulating the issue for political gain. “They are twisting the case under the guise of protests,” he said, expressing outrage over how the case has been handled.

Simha, accompanied by Vinay’s brother Jeevan, alleged that MLA Ponnanna is orchestrating targeted criticism against the BJP while maintaining a false image of dignity and statesmanship.

Simha also revealed that Vinay had received a threatening call from someone in the Police Department, warning that Section 107 — typically used against habitual offenders — would be imposed on him and that he must appear before the Tahsildar.

“Vinay was merely an admin of a WhatsApp group,” said Simha, questioning the rationale behind such threats. He noted that on March 21, Vinay received the call at 10.09 am, lasting two minutes. “We’ve provided this information to the authorities. The caller must be identified and the reason for the threat investigated,” he added.

He further claimed that MLA Ponnanna had filed a case against Vinay and others through prime accused Tennira Maina, and demanded that both Ponnanna and Dr. Mantar Gowda be named in the FIR.

According to the family, Police had also warned Vinay that a rowdy sheet would be opened against him after the case was filed.

Despite Vinay’s death four days ago, Tennira Maina has yet to be arrested. “The Police claim to be capable of nabbing terrorists — why not this man?” protesters asked, expressing deep suspicion over the delay.

Simha alleged that MLA Ponnanna is attempting to secure bail for Tennira Maina, thereby shielding him from arrest. Protesters have demanded immediate searches of the homes of those allegedly involved.

Responding to criticism from Mysuru KPCC spokesperson M. Lakshmana, former MLA K.G. Bopaiah and BJP District President Napanda Ravi Kalappa retorted that Lakshmana was “rejected in five elections and discarded like garbage by the public.”

Simha also said that he plans to approach the High Court to seek the inclusion of MLAs Ponnanna and Gowda in the FIR. He alleged that the State Government had pressured the Police not to name the legislators, despite clear complaints.

BJP leaders Robin Devaiah, B.B. Bharathish, B.K. Arun Kumar, B.K. Jagadish, Mahesh Jaini, Umesh Subramani and P.M. Ravi were present.