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Driver, Who Set Himself Ablaze During Telangana Transport Body Strike, Dies
A Telangana RTC driver who allegedly set himself on fire during a transport workers’ strike died early Friday after suffering burn injuries. The incident escalates a week of protests and prompts government officials to hold talks with unions while the RTC workers prepare further agitation.
Why It Matters
The death underscores the intensity of the ongoing RTC strike and the government’s efforts to resolve the workers’ 32 demands while balancing public transport needs and public safety.
Timeline
12 Events
Transport minister appeals for restraint; promises sincere talks
April 24, 2026
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar appealed to RTC employees not to lose heart and said the government would hold talks sincerely; he urged leaders to observe restraint amid provocative statements by political figures.
Political and party responses to the death and strike
April 24, 2026
BRS MLA T. Harish Rao stated support for the RTC strike; BJP state president N. Ramchander Rao said party leaders and workers would meet protesting RTC staff to extend solidarity.
RTC workers’ agitation programme announced
April 24, 2026
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of RTC employees announced an agitation programme from April 24 to 29, including silent marches and memorandum submissions to MLAs and other leaders.
Government to hold talks with RTC workers; extend support
April 24, 2026
The government announced it would hold talks with RTC workers to address their problems and extend support to the deceased driver’s family.
Chief Minister expresses condolences and pledges support
April 24, 2026
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the death and conveyed sympathies to the grieving family, assuring government support.
Body to Muttojipet for funeral; police decision on homage location
April 24, 2026
The body of Shankar Goud was taken to Muttojipet for funeral; RTC workers sought to have the body taken to Narsampet for homage, but police did not agree.
Death of Shankar Goud confirmed
April 24, 2026
Shankar Goud died at about 1:30 AM in a Hyderabad hospital from burn injuries sustained during self-immolation. His body was later slated for funeral arrangements in Muttojipet, Warangal district; authorities reportedly did not allow taking the body to Narsampet for homage as requested by RTC workers.
CM directs talks with employee unions; cabinet discusses strike
April 23, 2026
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed ministers, led by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, to invite employee unions for talks on Friday. The state cabinet, presided by the CM, discussed the strike and appealed to employees not to resort to extreme steps.
Khammam report of suicide attempt not linked to strike
April 23, 2026
Some reports claimed a similar step at a resident in Khammam; police said the incident was not linked to the ongoing RTC strike and was due to family issues.
RTC employee attempts suicide in Nalgonda
April 23, 2026
Another RTC employee allegedly attempted suicide in Nalgonda but did not suffer injuries.
Driver Shankar Goud commits self-immolation during protest
April 23, 2026
Shankar Goud, a 50-year-old RTC driver, allegedly poured petrol and set himself ablaze at Narsampet in Warangal district as RTC protests were underway. He suffered serious burns and was admitted to a state hospital in Warangal for treatment.
RTC workers begin indefinite strike
April 22, 2026
TSRTC employees began an indefinite strike across Telangana in support of a charter of 32 demands, including the merger of RTC with the government.