Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has directed officials for 100 Percent operational services in the next three days. The state government said it will not recognise the strike and declared it will not take back the employees into service at any cost. “Even if the strike intensifies, the government will not be shaken or afraid. It will not tolerate if the attempts are made to stop the buses, as well as organising dharnas at bus depots. We will not tolerate goondaism,” He said.
Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao said to DGP to increase security at all bus depots and stands. He said, “Set up CCTV camera at every point. Utilise the services of intelligence department and Women Police. Book cases, arrest and send people to court for any illegal actions, violence and trying to disrupt buses. There is no point in tolerating those who indulge in damaging public property”. CM KCR also said that employees who had reported for duty would be paid September salaries.
Srinivas Reddy, a bus driver, set himself on fire at his residence in Khammam district on Saturday. He suffered 90 per cent burn injuries and was shifted to the DRDO Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad where died this morning. News of Srinivas Reddy’s death led to protests at various parts across Hyderabad, with striking staff members blaming the state government for his death. TSRTC employees also gathered in large numbers outside the Apollo Hospital but were taken away by police.