Three Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) drivers attempted suicide in different districts on Thursday as the employees' indefinite strike entered its second day. The incidents occurred amid ongoing protests over unresolved demands, including merger of the corporation with the state government and salary revisions.
Self-immolation attempt in Warangal
The first case was reported from Narsampet in Warangal district, where a 55-year-old driver, K Shankar Goud, attempted self-immolation. He suffered 80% burns and was shifted to a private hospital in Hyderabad for treatment. While RTC union members claimed Goud had succumbed, the district medical and health officer, J Venkati, stated that the individual had sustained nearly 80% burn injuries and was undergoing treatment. The claim of death could not be officially confirmed.
According to police, around 12 pm, RTC employees had gathered at the depot to protest. Goud, who was part of the group, suddenly pulled out a bottle of petrol from his bag, poured it on himself, and set himself ablaze. Co-workers immediately intervened and tried to douse the flames, but the driver had already suffered severe burn injuries. He was initially taken to Narsampet Government Hospital and later shifted to MGM Hospital in Warangal due to his critical condition.
Dr Hareeshchandra Reddy, superintendent of MGM Hospital, confirmed that Goud sustained 80% burns. 'Once we stabilised him, we decided to move him to Hyderabad for better care,' he said. Narsampet police registered a case and launched an investigation. Goud, a native of Khanapur mandal in Warangal district, had been a regular employee at the depot for the past 25 years.
Two other drivers attempt suicide
Two other drivers also attempted suicide while participating in the protest. G Linga Reddy from Bhadrachalam in Bhadradri Kothagudem district consumed paraquat, a toxic herbicide, and is in critical condition. He is being treated at a private hospital in Khammam, according to his friend R Nagabhushanam, who also works at the same depot. The Times of India could not independently verify this.
Another driver, Venkanna from Miryalguda in Nalgonda district, attempted to set himself on fire at the protest site, but his co-workers and police personnel thwarted the attempt. He is reported to be stable.
Strike and protests continue
The RTC employees launched an indefinite strike on April 22 after talks with the Telangana government to address 32 key demands failed. The staff has been demanding the merger of RTC with the state government, a 30% salary fitment, better working conditions, and clearing of outstanding dues, among other issues.
Following the Narsampet incident, TGSRTC employees blocked National Highway 565, leading to a traffic jam on the Khammam–Mahabubabad–Warangal stretch. A scuffle broke out between police and protesters, prompting police to cane the protesters. Some protesters also gheraoed MGM Hospital while Goud was being treated, raising slogans against the state government and demanding resolution of long-pending issues.
Government announces talks
Meanwhile, after Thursday's cabinet meeting, information and public relations minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said that the government was sympathetic to the concerns of RTC workers and would hold talks with them on Friday. A committee headed by deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka has been set up to hold discussions with the unions.
