Hyderabad: An RTC driver self-immolation attempt at the Narsampet depot during an ongoing strike left a driver critically injured and triggered unrest among workers.
The driver, identified as Shanker Goud, poured petrol on himself and set himself on fire amid an indefinite strike called by the RTC Joint Action Committee. The protest was part of ongoing demands raised by RTC employees.
Colleagues present at the depot reacted immediately. They doused the flames and shifted him to a nearby hospital for treatment. Doctors later reported that his condition remained critical.
According to reports, the driver self-immolation attempt followed frustration over the State government’s response to employee demands. Coworkers said continued inaction had led to extreme distress among staff.
RTC driver self-immolation sparks unrest at depot
The incident led to tension at the depot. Workers raised slogans against RTC management and the government soon after the incident.
As the situation escalated, police intervened to control the crowd. Authorities deployed additional personnel at the depot to prevent further incidents.
Meanwhile, union leaders held both the government and RTC management responsible for the development. They said unresolved demands had intensified employee grievances during the strike.