RTC driver Shanker Goud’s last rites performed after a day-long drama, tension at Muthojipet in Warangal

The last rites of TGSRTC driver Shanker Goud, who died after a self-immolation bid, were held in Warangal amid tension and protests. Workers and political leaders clashed with police over demands to take his body to the depot

Warangal: The last rites of TGSRTC driver Kola Shanker Goud (55), who died after a self-immolation bid on Thursday, took place after a day-long high drama and tense moments at Muthojipet in Narsampet mandal in the district on Friday.

Tension prevailed at Muthojipet and Narsampet town since early morning hours after the driver’s body was handed over to the family after being shifted from Hyderabad in the midnight hours of Friday. A large number of striking workers and BRS leaders staged a dharna at Muthojipet demanding that they be allowed to take the body to Narsampet depot, where he worked for the past 22 years, so that the workers could offer him homage in a proper manner.

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BRS leaders Peddi Sudharshan Reddy, A Rakesh Reddy and others expressed anguish at the police for not allowing the workers even to pay homage to their colleague at his workplace.

Things turned tense after Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar arrived at Muthojipet to offer homage to Shanker Goud, after which BJP workers tried to take the body forcibly to Narsampet.

As the police stopped them, the body was left on the main road under the scorching summer heat during the afternoon hours for over an hour as a scuffle continued between the police and BJP workers.

Shanker Goud’s daughter Shamili expressed deep anguish over the politicisation of the situation while her father’s mortal remains were being transported to the bus stand. She said it was distressing to witness some individuals dragging the body onto the road.

The funeral procession started at around 6.30 pm after the police detained and shifted BRS leader Sudharshan Reddy and several others to different police stations. The family members and some RTC union leaders attended the funeral.

Shanker Goud, who joined the RTC as a contract driver in 1999, was regularised in 2007. He belonged to Khanapuram in Narsampet mandal and lived in a rented house in Narsampet town. He was transferred to Narsampet depot four months ago after serving at other depots.

He is survived by his wife Latha, daughter Shamili, who is married and lives in Muthojipet, and son Hemanth, a degree student. His last rites were performed at Muthojipet as Shanker Goud did not have a house of his own.