Andhra man commits suicide near Naidu's fast venue

A physically challenged man from Andhra Pradesh allegedly committed suicide on Monday near the AP Bhavan where Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu undertook a 12-hour fast demanding special category status to the state.

The man, identified as D. Arjun Rao (40), a native of Srikakulam district, was found dead on a wheel-chair. The police shifted the body to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

The man was suspected to have consumed pesticides.

Chandrababu Naidu said in his speech that Arjun Rao ended his life over the Centre's refusal to give special status to Andhra Pradesh. He said Delhi Police recovered a suicide note from Arjun Rao's pocket but did not reveal its contents.

Naidu said the man had come to the national capital on its own. He announced Rs 20 lakh ex-gratia for the family of the deceased and declared that his last rites would be performed with official honours.

Naidu appealed to people not to commit suicide, saying this was not a solution to the problem. He advised people to have courage and fight for the rights of the state.

--IANS

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