In his suicide letter, he said that a politically driven FIR was to blame for his death.
The FIR was allegedly filed against the administrators of a WhatsApp group, including Vinay, after a contentious message aimed at Congress MLA and legal advisor to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, AS Ponnanna, was circulated.
Vinay was detained due to a contentious post. An altered image of Ponnanna dressed in traditional Kodava attire next to a toilet and disparaging remarks were allegedly included in the post. Vinay claimed that an FIR was filed against the person who shared the image and the group administrators following its dissemination. In the FIR, Vinay was named Accused No. 3, and he was appointed administrator of the WhatsApp group Kodagina Samasyegalu just five days before he committed suicide.
Vinay claimed he was targeted due to political hatred
He was later taken into custody but later released on bail. Vinay, on the other hand, claimed that police and politicians continued to harass him despite receiving bail and a stay of the case from the court. “Tenneera Maheena, who played with my life out of political hatred, is directly responsible for my death,” he penned. Additionally, he requested financial assistance for his family because he was concerned that the authorities would label him a “rowdy-sheeter.”
Investigation
The minister of home promises an inquiry into Vinay’s death. “How fair is it to continue referring to us as criminals after that? He wrote, “There’s even a plan to open a rowdy sheet on me, according to some sources.” Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has promised a DCP-level probe in the case.
BJP state president BY Vijayendra said he was deeply saddened by Vinay’s death and called for a fair and transparent probe.
He asserted, “BJP workers have reportedly faced increasing harassment since the Congress came to power.”
Helpline
Please seek help if you’re having suicidal thoughts
If you or anyone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to AASRA for suicide prevention counseling. It can be reached at 022-27546669 (any time). Additionally, you can call COOJ at +91-83222-52525 or Roshni NGO at +914066202000. Vandrevala Foundation’s helpline number is +91-99996-66555 (call and WhatsApp), while Sneha India Foundation operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.