A tragic incident has intensified the ongoing crisis surrounding the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) strike, as a driver who set himself ablaze during a protest succumbed to his injuries early Friday morning.
The deceased, identified as Shankar Goud, a 50-year-old RTC driver, reportedly attempted self-immolation on April 23 at Narsampet in Warangal district. The incident occurred during a protest by RTC employees, who have been on an indefinite strike since April 22 to press for a series of long-pending demands.
According to officials, Goud poured petrol on himself and set himself on fire at the bus depot, suffering severe burn injuries, reportedly over 80 percent. He was initially rushed to a government hospital in Warangal and later shifted to a super-speciality hospital in Hyderabad due to his critical condition. Despite intensive medical treatment, he died around 1:30 AM on April 24.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the state, drawing attention to the growing distress among transport workers. Reports indicate that another RTC employee also attempted a similar act in Nalgonda but was prevented in time, highlighting the heightened emotional strain among protesting workers.
The strike, involving tens of thousands of employees, has severely disrupted public transportation across Telangana. Workers are demanding fulfillment of 32 key issues, including the merger of the RTC with the state government, pay revisions, and union-related concerns.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed shock over Goud’s death and conveyed condolences to his family. The state government has assured all possible support to the bereaved family and reiterated its willingness to engage in dialogue with employee unions to resolve the crisis.
Meanwhile, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of RTC employees has announced continued protest programmes, including demonstrations and appeals to public representatives, indicating that the agitation is far from over. Authorities have urged workers not to resort to extreme steps and have called for calm as negotiations are expected to continue.
The incident underscores the urgent need for a resolution, as tensions escalate between the government and transport workers, with both human and public service consequences becoming increasingly severe.
