Telangana: TSRTC driver who attempted self-immolation dies in hospital

A bus driver reportedly lost his life when he attempted to commit suicide during a strike by TSRTC (Telangana State Road Transport Corporation) on Sunday, October 13. Srinivas Reddy was among the 48,000 employees who were on a strike against the Telangana Government. 

 TSRTC driver who attempted suicide succumbed to his injuries

The hospital gave a statement and confirmed Reddy's death. 

 "The patient, Srinivas Reddy, who was admitted to DRDO Apollo Hospital yesterday with severe burn injuries has passed away today while undergoing treatment."

Reddy allegedly poured Kerosene over himself at his residence in Khammam district and tried setting himself ablaze.  

"The driver Srinivas Reddy, poured kerosene oil on himself and set himself ablaze. He has received 80 per cent burn injuries and has been shifted to Hyderabad for better medical attention," said the Khammam Commissioner of Police, Tafseer Iqbal.

The family of the driver allege he was depressed because of the Government against employees.

"The family of Srinivas have alleged that he took this step because he was depressed at the state government's behaviour against RTC employees. A case will be registered in the incident," the police commissioner said.

READ | Telangana Chief Minister KCR says, 'No talks with TSRTC employees'

Political leaders visit the hospital

Political leaders including Telangana Jana Samithi chief Professor Kodandaram and Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao had visited the hospital and met the bus driver earlier on Sunday. Meanwhile, there is a heavy police presence outside the hospital premises to maintain law and order. 

'No question of having any talks with employees'

The protests have now entered its ninth day. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has said that there is "no question" of having any talks with the agitating 48,000 RTC employees.  The employees had gone on strike on October 5, demanding the merger of the RTC with the government. They are also demanding revision of their salaries pending since April 2017. 

READ | TSRTC Strike: Ajay Kumar warns private buses against overcharging

48,000 employees 'dismissed'

The government had then given an ultimatum to the employees to return when the employees did not do so, the CM said the employees should consider themselves 'self-dismissed'. An official statement from the Chief Minister also said

"It was decided that in the buses to be run by RTC, fifty per cent would be private buses and the rest would be of the RTC. If measures and actions are taken in this direction, buses will run efficiently and the RTC will become profitable in two to three years", the CM's statement read.

(With ANI inputs)

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