Police detain BRS leaders proceeding to Narsampet to pay homage to RTC driver Shanker Goud

BRS leaders were detained by police while heading to Narsampet to pay tribute to an RTC driver who died after a self-immolation bid. The incident triggered protests and tension, with political leaders alleging undemocratic actions by the government

Jangaon/Warangal: Police intercepted and detained former Ministers Sabitha Indra Reddy, Srinivas Goud and former MP Vinod Kumar, who were on their way to Narsampet on Friday to pay homage to the mortal remains of RTC driver Shanker Goud, who died after a self-immolation bid on Thursday, and to offer condolences to his family members.

Sabitha Indra Reddy and former MP Vinod Kumar were detained at Raghunathpally toll gate in Jangaon district and were shifted to Jangaon rural police station, while Srinivas Goud was detained at Station Ghanpur and taken to the local police station.

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Jangaon MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy and former MP Maloth Kavitha, along with BRS cadres, rushed to Jangaon rural police station, staged a sit-in in front of the police station and raised slogans demanding the release of the BRS leaders.

Meanwhile, in Hanamkonda, former Minister Errabelli Dayakar Rao and former MLA Aroori Ramesh were placed under house arrest when they were about to leave for Narsampet to pay tributes to Shanker Goud. The government was acting undemocratically by detaining the BRS leaders, Dayakar Rao alleged.

On the other hand, tension built up at Narsampet as Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar arrived at Muthojipet in Narsampet mandal to pay homage to Shanker Goud and console his family members.

Following the Union Minister’s intervention, BJP leaders and RTC union leaders proceeded to transport Shanker Goud’s body to the Narsampet depot. But police stopped them, leading to tense moments, and the workers raised slogans against the police and the government.

As the melee continued, the deceased driver’s body was left on the road for over an hour and was later taken to Shanker Goud’s son-in-law’s house at Muthojipet. The family of the deceased driver also appealed to the police to take his body to the Narsampet depot where he worked, but in vain.

The final rites of Shanker Goud had not taken place even till late afternoon as the stalemate continued over the matter. Warangal Commissioner of Police Sunpreet Singh, along with senior officials, camped at Narsampet to monitor the situation.

Narsampet RDO Umarani announced that the government would offer immediate financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh, along with Rs 5 lakh from the MLA fund to the family. A job in RTC would be provided to one family member, besides sanctioning an Indiramma house to the family, she said.