Durgaprasad who attempted to commit suicide protesting the Andhra Pradesh government's indifference in obtaining special status for the state on August 26 succumbed to injuries on Friday.

Durgaprasad, 49, was admitted to hospital with critical burn injuries after he set himself ablaze by dousing in petrol demanding special status in Chebrolu in Ammanagallu mandal of West Godavari district. He was shifted to Eluru government hospital three days back as his condition detoriorated and finally died undergoing treatment on Friday morning. He was survived by wife Jyothi, daughters Sravani and Nikhila. He was working at a hotel at Chebrolu.

YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy condoled the death of Durgaprasad and blamed the government for the tragic incident.

Reacting on the death of Durgaprasad, YSRCP MLC Meka Seshubabu said it was a murder committed by AP government as it completely ignored the demand for special status. He said the government's inaction in the issue of special status is creating insecurity among people and the chief minister will be held responsible for any such incidents in the future.

At least five people in different parts of Andhra Pradesh have committed suicide over the issue. The series of suicides began with a Congress worker torching himself at a public meeting in Tirupati on August 8. A couple of them in their suicide notes said they were hopeful of getting jobs and other benefits and since the central government has declined to provide special status to the state, all their hopes were dashed.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led government had appealed to people not to get emotional and commit suicides over the issue.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu advised people to have patience and assured them that his government is doing its best to get the special status.