TSRTC strike: Driver attempts suicide, rescued by locals

A person employed with the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) allegedly attempted to commit suicide by jumping in front of a running bus here on Monday.

The person, Venkataiah, a driver, who was participating in the ongoing TSRTC strike, allegedly tried to take the extreme step. He was almost run over by the bus when locals rescued him, police said.

Venkataiah was said to be in a depressed state owing to his poor financial condition, they added.

Till now, four RTC employees have allegedly taken their own lives while others have attempted to commit suicide.

Striking employees of the TSRTC on Monday intensified their indefinite protest against the sacking of over 40,000 employees by the state government, which entered the 23rd day on Monday.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of TSRTC have been on a strike since October 5 demanding merger of the corporation with the state government and revision of pays among other demands.

Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has said that there is "no question" of having any talks with the agitating 48,000 RTC employees.

Various political parties including the Congress and TDP have also come together in support of the RTC employees and are demanding the state government to take them back.