Crisis on the Road: Telangana RTC Driver's Tragic Protest

In a tragic turn of events, Shankar Goud, a driver with the Telangana State Regional Transport Corporation (RTC), reportedly took his own life amid ongoing protests by RTC employees. The demonstrations, which began on April 22, center around a range of demands from the employees, including the contentious merger of RTC with the state government.

Goud, who succumbed to injuries inflicted in Narsampet, Warangal, where he set himself ablaze, was later transferred to a Hyderabad hospital where he died early Friday morning. His death has drawn widespread criticism of the current government, with prominent political figures slamming the administration for the handling of the situation and the restrictions placed on Goud's last rites.

The situation has intensified with calls from various political leaders to support the striking workers. State officials, including Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, expressed their condolences and pledged to engage in constructive dialogue to prevent further tragic incidents. The government called for a meeting with the RTC's Joint Action Committee, inviting them to discuss possible resolutions.

(With inputs from agencies.)