Dejected For Not Getting Land, Dalit Dies After Immolation Bid

Karimnagar: Dejected over not getting the promised land from chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, Gudem villager Mahankali Srinivas (27) succumed to his burn injuries on Sunday.

The deceased had attempted self-immolation on September 3 after Manakonduru MLA Rasamayi Balakishan allegedly spoke to him in a reckless manner. Mahankali Srinivas doused himself with petrol and set himself on fire in front of the MLA's office. The MLA, however, denied that he ever spoke in a reckless manner with the beneficiary.

Another Dalit, Yalala Parushramulu (26) who also attempted immolation has recovered and is expected to be discharged on Monday, hospital sources said. It is alleged that the victims had been pleading with the legislator to allocate three acres of land to them as promised by the State Government during the elections. Alleging that the authorities had provided land to ineligible beneficiaries, they allegedly were pleading with the legislator to do justice to them by making frequent visits.

In Srinivas' native village of Gudem in Bejjanki mandal, a pall of gloom following news of his death. Meanwhile, police have stepped up security at the MLA's office to prevent protests by the villagers.