RTC driver who set himself ablaze during strike dies; CM Revanth Reddy assures support to family

A 50-year-old Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (RTC) driver, K Shankar Goud, who allegedly set himself ablaze during an ongoing employees’ strike, succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Friday, officials said, even as Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock and assured full support to the bereaved family.

Goud had reportedly poured petrol on himself and set himself on fire at Narsampet in Warangal district on April 23, when RTC employees were staging protests in support of their demands.

He suffered severe burn injuries and was initially rushed to a government hospital in Warangal before being shifted to a super-speciality facility in Hyderabad for advanced treatment. Despite efforts, he died around 1.30 am on Friday.

His body was later transported to his relatives’ village, Muttojipet, for the last rites, though RTC employees had demanded that it be taken to Narsampet to pay homage. Police, however, did not permit the request, according to employee representatives.

Reacting to the incident, the Chief Minister conveyed his condolences and said the government would stand firmly with Goud’s family, extending all possible assistance.

He described the incident as deeply unfortunate, noting that a decision taken in a moment of distress had left the family in profound grief.

He also reiterated that the government is engaged in discussions with RTC employees and is committed to resolving their issues.

The RTC workforce has been on an indefinite strike since April 22, pressing for a charter of 32 demands, including the merger of the corporation with the state government.

Talks between the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of employees and a panel of bureaucrats are scheduled to take place as the government attempts to break the deadlock.

Appealing for calm, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar urged employees not to resort to extreme steps, assuring that their concerns would be addressed through dialogue.

The state cabinet, which reviewed the situation earlier, also emphasised that employees are part of the government’s extended family.

Meanwhile, the incident has triggered political reactions, with opposition leaders backing the employees’ agitation and criticising the government, even as authorities appealed to all sides to maintain restraint and avoid further escalation.