In a tragic and shocking incident, a 32-year-old activist in Telangana died after setting himself on fire to demand a 42% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), igniting widespread protests and political tensions across the state. The activist, a resident of Pocharam village in Andole block of Sangareddy district, was a cab driver by profession and had been actively involved in OBC organisations campaigning for expanded quotas in education and employment.

The incident occurred on Thursday, when the activist went to the office of prominent OBC leader and Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Chintapandu Naveen, popularly known as Teenmaar Mallanna, to discuss the issue of OBC quota. Upon learning that the MLC was not present at the time, the activist, reportedly anguished and frustrated, set himself ablaze at Peerzadiguda on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Despite being rushed to Gandhi Hospital in Secunderabad for treatment, he succumbed to his burn injuries on Friday afternoon.

His death triggered an immediate outpouring of grief and anger from various OBC organisations, social groups, and political leaders, who accused the state and central governments of negligence in addressing the quota demands. Hundreds of people participated in his funeral procession in Medchal-Malkajgiri district, carrying the activist’s body to his residence in Jagathgirigutta for the final rites. Leaders from multiple political parties, BC organisations, and civil society groups paid their respects, while chanting slogans demanding justice and the implementation of a 42% quota for OBCs in education and employment.

In anticipation of protests, Rachakonda police placed MLC Chintapandu Naveen under house arrest at his Chennareddy Enclave residence in Peerzadiguda. Authorities cited concerns that Naveen’s participation in processions could exacerbate unrest. Speaking to reporters, Naveen expressed his frustration, stating, “It is my responsibility to talk to the people. How can you restrict me from meeting my people? What crime have I committed?” Despite his house arrest, Naveen remained a focal point for the aggrieved OBC community demanding urgent government action.

The activist’s family shared their grief and sorrow with the media. His wife, who resides with their children in Jagathgirigutta, said her husband had been actively participating in OBC movements for several years, advocating for the 42% reservation. She described him as committed to the cause, emphasizing that his self-immolation was an act of desperation borne out of frustration over the delay in addressing the community’s demands.

The police confirmed that prior to setting himself on fire, the activist had visited MLC Naveen’s office to discuss the OBC quota issue. When he learned that Naveen was unavailable, he reportedly became deeply distressed and resorted to self-immolation. Authorities stressed that he was immediately taken to Gandhi Hospital, but the severity of his burn injuries led to his death within 24 hours.

The activist’s death sparked protests across Hyderabad and surrounding districts. OBC organisations staged processions demanding immediate implementation of the 42% reservation in education and government employment. The protests were largely concentrated in Medchal-Malkajgiri, but demonstrations also occurred in several parts of the city. Police responded with mild force in certain areas to manage crowds and maintain law and order, resulting in mass arrests.

Among the detained were prominent OBC leaders, including BC Joint Action Committee (JAC) state chairman Jajula Srinivasa Goud and MLC Naveen himself. Protesters were taken to multiple police stations across Hyderabad, including Trimulgherry, Karkhana, Ramgopalpet, Chilkalguda, Bollaram, Amberpet, and Uppal. Authorities indicated that detentions were carried out to prevent escalation of violence and ensure public safety during ongoing demonstrations.

BC JAC state chairman Jajula Srinivasa Goud described the activist’s death as “murder” by the state and central governments, asserting that the incident exposed the authorities’ failure to address long-standing demands for OBC quota. He demanded the immediate suspension of ongoing sarpanch elections until the 42% reservation is implemented, arguing that electoral processes should not proceed while the community’s basic rights remain unfulfilled.

The incident has also sparked a political debate within Telangana, with opposition parties and social groups criticizing the government for inaction and alleging systemic neglect of OBC issues. Activists argue that the quota demand is essential to ensuring equitable representation of OBC communities in education, government employment, and socio-economic opportunities. The self-immolation has intensified calls for urgent legislative and administrative measures to address these long-standing demands.

The tragic death has highlighted the vulnerabilities of grassroots activists who often resort to extreme measures to draw attention to unresolved social and political issues. Human rights organisations and civil society groups have urged the government to engage in dialogue with OBC representatives to prevent further loss of life and to find a resolution that respects both democratic processes and the constitutional rights of marginalized communities.

As the Telangana government faces mounting pressure, officials have called for calm while assuring that the demands of the OBC community will be examined in accordance with legal and constitutional frameworks. Authorities emphasized that the safety and security of all citizens remain a priority, and police forces have been deployed to monitor protest activities and prevent unrest from escalating.

The activist’s funeral procession was marked by a heavy police presence, reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding the event. Despite this, hundreds of community members, local leaders, and sympathisers attended the final rites, demonstrating the widespread support for the activist’s cause and the deep sense of grievance within the OBC community. Leaders reiterated their demand for the 42% quota and urged the government to take immediate action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

This incident has also renewed public discourse on the broader issue of caste-based reservations in India. While reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) have been firmly established, the debate over OBC quotas remains contentious, particularly regarding the percentage of reservation and its implementation across educational institutions and government jobs. Experts suggest that addressing these demands requires a careful balance between social justice, constitutional provisions, and equitable resource distribution.

In conclusion, the self-immolation and subsequent death of the activist in Telangana has brought renewed attention to the struggles faced by OBC communities seeking equitable representation and opportunities. The incident has not only sparked protests and arrests but has also intensified political and social discussions about the adequacy and implementation of caste-based reservations. As the government navigates these challenges, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for dialogue, policy clarity, and mechanisms to prevent extreme measures by individuals driven to desperation in pursuit of justice and social equity.