BJP Leaders Detained During Protest in Kodagu Over Party Worker’s Suicide

BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra participated in a protest in Kushalnagar, Kodagu, on Saturday, demanding action against those responsible for the death of party worker Vinay Somaiah.

KUSHALNAGAR: Tensions flared in Kushalnagar on Saturday as several senior BJP leaders, including Karnataka State president B.Y. Vijayendra and Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, were taken into custody during a protest seeking action against two Congress legislators over the suicide of BJP worker Vinay Somaiah. The leaders were released later.

The BJP had gathered in large numbers near the Deputy Superintendent of Police’s office, demanding that Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna and Madikeri MLA Manthar Gowda be named in the First Information Report (FIR) filed after Somaiah’s death. The BJP has alleged the Congress leaders’ involvement in driving Somaiah to take his life in Bengaluru.

Before the funeral, Somaiah’s body was kept at the Community Health Centre mortuary in Kushalnagar. BJP leaders paid their respects there before proceeding to the protest site. At one point, some leaders even warned they would delay the last rites until their demands were met.

However, the police had fortified the area with barricades and additional personnel. When the crowd attempted to forcefully enter the DySP’s office premises, they were detained and whisked away in police vehicles.

Among those detained were former MP Pratap Simha, Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa, and ex-MLAs K.G. Bopaiah and Preetam Gowda, along with other party members from Kodagu and Mysuru.

Following the detentions, Somaiah’s mortal remains were transported to Gonimaruru village, where his final rites were performed.

Kodagu SP K. Ramarajan said that extensive security measures were in place. Top police officials, including Southern Range DIG Boralingaiah, and the SPs of Mysuru and Hassan districts, N. Vishnuvardhan and Mohammed Sujeetha, along with DCP Sundar Raj, were on site. Nearly 400 personnel, including KSRP and DAR units, had been deployed to prevent escalation.

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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