Petitioner Attempts Self-Immolation At Prajavani

A petitioner, who failed to get justice from officials, attempted self-immolation by pouring petrol on himself during the Prajavani programme at the Warangal collectorate on Monday.

Officials restrained the petitioner, Gatla Surender of Ponakal village in Duggondi mandal, and informed collector Satya Sharada, who then spoke to him and enquired about his grievance.

Surender said he had been approaching officials for several months over a land dispute but did not receive any response. He alleged that his brother Gatla Raju and Dyagala Komuraiah had forged his signature and encroached upon his land in 2003. Repeated complaints to officials had not resulted in a resolution.

Officials said Surender had submitted a petition during the Prajavani programme on July 6, following which an inquiry was conducted at the collectorate on August 22. His brother Gatla Raju appeared for the inquiry. But,the complaint got stuck there.

The collector informed the harried petitioner that further action would be taken after a court verdict as a case concerning the dispute was pending before the Narsampet Civil Judge Court. Officials claimed that the petitioner was informed of the decision through a note on Sept 30.

Later, Surender expressed regret over his action through a written statement to officials.