Kodagu Congress Functionary Tennera Maina Appears Before Police in BJP Worker's Suicide Case

Somaiah, a native of Kodagu who was working in Bengaluru, died by suicide on April 4 at his Nagawara office.

BENGALURU: Tennera Maina, a Congress functionary from Kodagu and the first accused in a case related to the alleged suicide of BJP worker Somaiah, appeared before Hennur police on Friday following a summons issued under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

According to a report in TOI, Maina provided his statement to the Hennur police inspector and submitted documents in an attempt to prove his non-involvement. Police officials confirmed that Maina has been directed to remain available for further questioning as the investigation progresses.

Maina reportedly told the police that he had not met Somaiah in person. He is the first among the named individuals to be questioned in the case.

Somaiah, a native of Kodagu who was working in Bengaluru, died by suicide on April 4 at his Nagawara office. Prior to his death, he sent a message in which he alleged that Maina, multiple Congress MLAs, and others had harassed him by filing what he called a "politically motivated and false" complaint.

The controversy began after a post was shared in a WhatsApp group named Kodagina Samasyegalu, of which Somaiah was one of the administrators. A complaint was filed against Somaiah and others by those he later blamed in his suicide note. Although Somaiah did not author the post, he was booked as one of the group’s admins.

Madikeri police had registered an FIR and arrested Somaiah, who was later released on bail.

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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