The strike by Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) employees, which entered its second day on Thursday, has taken a dangerous turn as two drivers attempted to commit suicide at two different places, people familiar with the developments said.
In Warangal district, an RTC driver, working at Narsampet RTC depot, doused himself with petrol and set himself on fire in front of Narsampet bus stand in protest against the alleged indifferent attitude of the state government in resolving the demands of RTC employees.
“He suffered severe burns and was rushed to MGM Hospital in Warangal. Doctors said that he suffered almost 80% burns and his condition remains critical,” a Joint Action Committee functionary of Telangana RTC employees told.
District Collector Satya Sharada and Police Commissioner Sonpreet Singh visited the hospital to review his condition.
In another accident in Nalgonda, another RTC driver from Miryalaguda depot doused himself with diesel near Nalgonda depot. However, alert police personnel and their colleagues working at the RTC intervened in time and prevented the attempt, said the above-mentioned JAC commander.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy urged the RTC staff not to resort to extreme measures. The ministers directed discussions to be held with trade unions on Friday.
