Vinay Somaiah case: Cops begin probe

Bengaluru: The Hennur police in east Bengaluru on Saturday began the probe into the abetment of a suicide case regarding a BJP functionary.

Vinay Somaiah, 40, from Kogadu was found hanging in eastern Bengaluru on Friday. Police suspect that Somaiah died on Thursday night but his body was recovered in the morning at his office in HBR Layout where he worked as an operations manager. Somaiah is survived by his wife and a daughter.

The Hennur police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on Friday under BNS Sections 108 (abetment of suicide), 351 (criminal intimidation) and 352 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace).

However, under the suspects list, the police mentioned Kodagu Congress functionary Thennira Mahina and others, while the names of Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna and Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda weren’t in the FIR, despite the complaint by the victim’s brother naming them.

A senior officer said that in case the role of other suspects was revealed during the probe, it will be added in the chargesheet.

On Saturday, officials said that the electronic devices and mobile phones of the deceased were sent for forensic examination.

“The victim’s autopsy report is awaited,” an investigator said. “We are preparing to issue a notice of appearance to the suspect.”

The investigators were also analysing a WhatsApp message with a slew of allegations sent by the victim on a group before his death.

Police will take suitable action: Home Minister

Home Minister G Parameshwara said that police will take suitable action as per the law. “The law is the same for MLAs AS Ponnanna and Mantar Gowda,” he told reporters in Bengaluru.

Regarding the need for a CID probe, the Home Minister said: “At present, it doesn’t appear to be necessary.”