Man attempts self immolation demanding special category status

Tirupati: A 40-year-old Congress worker is battling for life after attempting self-immolation at a public meeting held today by the party to press its demand for Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh, police said.

Demanding the special status, B Muni Kama doused himself with kerosene and set himself on fire a few minutes before the commencement of the meeting near the Municipal Corportation Office.

Police said Kama, who surffered 80 per cent burns, was immediately rushed to SVRR Government hospital here where his condition was stated to be critial.

Among those who attended the meeting were APCC President Raghuveera Reddy and actor-turned-politician K Chiranjeevi.

Reddy announced an assistance of Rs two lakh to Kama's family and medical assistance to him. He appealed to people not to take such extreme steps.
PTI