B Report Cites Lack of Evidence, Clears Kodagu MLAs in BJP Worker Suicide Case
- Kodagu Express Bureau
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
Bengaluru: The Bengaluru City Police have submitted a ‘B report’ in the case relating to the death of BJP worker Vinay Somaiah, giving a clean chit to Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, and Congress functionary Thennira Myna.
The report, placed before the jurisdictional court, states that investigators found no evidence to support the allegations made in the suicide note left by the deceased.
According to the Hennur police, forensic scrutiny of mobile phones and call records of the accused yielded no proof of threats or coercion. Officers examined communication records for two months preceding Somaiah’s death and confirmed that no phone calls, WhatsApp exchanges, or other forms of contact substantiated the claims mentioned in the note.
Vinay Somaiah, who hailed from Kodagu, was discovered dead at his workplace in Nagavara around eight months ago. In his final note, he had alleged that he was being subjected to pressure in connection with a case filed against him, which he described as politically motivated. Despite securing a stay on the FIR from the High Court, Somaiah claimed that the police continued to harass him and threatened to open a rowdy sheet at the behest of the Congress leaders.
He specifically named MLAs Ponnanna and Gowda, along with local Congress worker Thennira Maina, the complainant in the case. Somaiah was the administrator of a WhatsApp group where a member had circulated a post deemed objectionable against Ponnanna, leading to the original complaint.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, September 29, Ponnanna confirmed that the police had closed the case with a ‘B report’, which he said reinforced his long-standing claim that the accusations were false. “The report establishes that the allegations against me, Manthar Gowda, and Maina were without any basis,” said Ponnanna, who also serves as legal advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Ponnanna accused BJP leaders of exploiting the incident for political mileage. “State and district leaders of the BJP attempted to make political capital out of this tragedy. Those who indulged in such opportunistic politics over a young man’s death owe an apology,” he said.
Turning his criticism towards the BJP’s treatment of Somaiah’s family, Ponnanna alleged that the party had abandoned them. “The very leaders who politicised his death did not stand by his grieving family. Instead, it is now my responsibility to provide the support they need,” he remarked.
Trigger Warning: This article discusses suicide, which may be distressing to some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or mental health issues, please seek help. Reach out to a mental health professional or contact a suicide prevention helpline for support.
Mental Health helpline numbers: Those experiencing distress or contemplating suicide can seek assistance by contacting the Arogya Sahayavani helpline at phone number 104. Sahai helpline (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222.
Here are active helplines throughout India: Click here
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