BJP Worker Suicide Case: Karnataka Home Minister Says Law Will Take Its Course Amid FIR Controversy

No FIR Mention Yet for Two Congress MLAs Named in Handwritten Complaint​

Bengaluru, April 5 — Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday stated that the law is equal for all and assured that necessary legal action will be taken following the alleged suicide of BJP worker Vinay Somaiah. The incident has sparked a political storm, with the BJP demanding that two Congress MLAs from Kodagu be named in the FIR.

Vinay Somaiah, a 40-year-old BJP functionary from Kodagu, was found dead by suicide on Friday. A purported death note, allegedly posted by him in a WhatsApp group, accused Congress leaders of harassment.

Following a complaint lodged by his elder brother, Jeevan K S, an FIR was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including:

• Section 108: Abetment of suicide
• Section 3(5): Common intention
• Section 351(2): Criminal intimidation
• Section 352: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace

The FIR names Congress worker Thennira Maheena and others. However, it notably omits the names of Virajpet MLA A S Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda, and Harish Poovaiah, despite them being named in the handwritten complaint.

Parameshwara: “Police Will Act According to Law”​

Responding to queries about the non-inclusion of the MLAs' names in the FIR, Parameshwara said,

“Law is equal for everyone, whether it is Ponnanna or Mantar. The police will take necessary action in accordance with the law. The incident happened in February, and he has committed suicide now. The police department is investigating.”

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The Home Minister also confirmed that the police are analysing the detailed WhatsApp message allegedly posted by Somaiah and that the full context of the complaint is under scrutiny.

When asked whether the case would be transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Parameshwara said,

“If necessary it may be done, but at present we don't see the need.”

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Death Note Alleges Political Targeting​

In the purported suicide note, Somaiah claimed he was arrested nearly two months ago based on a complaint filed by Maheena over comments made in a WhatsApp group against Ponnanna, who also serves as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s legal advisor. Somaiah, who was the group admin, was later released on bail.

He alleged that the FIR against him was “politically motivated” and that the resulting humiliation to him and his family led to emotional distress. He called for justice and action against the individuals he named in the note.

Updates on Honeytrap and Gold Smuggling Investigations​

Separately, the Home Minister also addressed other ongoing cases:

• Regarding the alleged honeytrap attempts targeting Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna, Parameshwara confirmed that the CID is conducting the inquiry.
• On the gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao, he stated that Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta has submitted the inquiry report concerning the role of Ramachandra Rao, a DGP-ranked officer and Ranya’s stepfather. The report has been forwarded to the Chief Secretary and will be sent to the Home Department for further action.

The developments in the Somaiah case continue to stir political debate in Karnataka, with opposition leaders pressing for accountability and transparency in the probe.