Hyderabad, Oct. 6: Polasa Sudhakar, who set himself on fire at Bheengal police station in Nizamabad district on Monday, died while undergoing treatment, triggering tension in the town.
Sudhakar, who ran a tea stall near the Bheengal bus stand, sustained severe burn injuries after pouring petrol on himself and setting himself ablaze on the police station premises. Doctors initially treated him at Armoor Government Hospital before shifting him to Nizamabad for advanced treatment. He later succumbed to his injuries.
All-party leaders have called for a Bheengal bandh on Tuesday to protest his death. Police have deployed additional personnel across the town, particularly near major junctions and the police station, to prevent further tension.
Sudhakar Death: Family Alleges Police Harassment
Sudhakar’s family members and local residents alleged that repeated police action and harassment led to his suicide attempt. They claimed that officials had repeatedly fined him over keeping his establishment open late and placing tables outside the shop.
Balkonda MLA Vemula Prashanth Reddy also alleged that harassment by the Bheengal sub-inspector contributed to the incident. He demanded action against the officer and justice for Sudhakar’s family. Police reportedly placed the MLA under house arrest as he planned to visit the bereaved family and pay his respects.
However, the police have rejected allegations of harassment. According to their account, Sudhakar’s distress stemmed from an alleged dispute involving a nearby grocery shop owner. Police said a video they described as Sudhakar’s final statement supported that account.
Police also said they had taken action over the late-night operation of his establishment and the placement of tables outside it. These explanations differ from the allegations made by Sudhakar’s family and local residents.
The conflicting accounts have intensified demands for a detailed and impartial investigation into the circumstances that led to his death.
Authorities completed the postmortem and other formalities in Nizamabad before arranging to bring Sudhakar’s body to Bheengal. Police have tightened security ahead of its arrival to prevent the situation from escalating.
Family members and all-party leaders are demanding a thorough inquiry and action against anyone found responsible. The exact circumstances surrounding Sudhakar’s death remain under investigation.
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