Tirupati: Congress activist B. Muni Kama Koti, who attempted self-immolation at a party meeting here on Saturday demanding special status for AP, died while being treated at the Government Kilpauk medical college in Chennai on Sunday.
Koti was first admitted at the Ruia Hospital immediately after he set himself ablaze during the protest meeting at the municipal office. He was shifted to the CMC hospital in Vellore for better treatment. He was subsequently moved to the Kilpauk hospital in Chennai after the CMC doctors expressed their helplessness. He died at 11.50 am on Sunday.
Read: B Muni Kama Koti’s death sparks anger, outrage
Doctors said he had suffered 80 per cent burns. Koti had earlier given a statement to the police while he was at the Ruia Hospital that he had set himself on fire seeking special status to the state.
Koti was living with his brother B. Murali’s family in T. Nagar for several years and was a Congress activist for 20 years. He used to help his brother run a goods autorickshaw which Murali has purchased recently. Koti is survived by his wife Dakshayani whom he had married 11 years ago. The couple had separated a decade ago, and had no children.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Opposition leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep anguish and offered condolences to his family. The CM urged the people not to resort to such hasty decisions for special status. He expressed the hope that the Centre will extend special status to AP.
The YSRC chief spoke to Koti’s brother Murali over phone. He said Koti had reached the pinnacle of sacrifice, but requested people not to take the extreme step. On receiving the information, Dakshanyani broke down. She said her husband had left her nothing but grief by taking his own life for special status to the state. “Koti was a very good friend. He was generous and kind,” said his friends Dhananjaya, Chengalrayulu and others.
Sources said doctors at the Chennai hospital will complete the post-mortem on Monday morning and the body will reach Tiupati on Monday afternoon.
