A serious protest by auto-rickshaw drivers unfolded in Hyderabad, highlighting deep financial distress following the implementation of the Mahalakshmi scheme, which provides free bus travel for women. The situation drew public attention due to an extreme act carried out near a key government residence. Incident at Praja Bhavan 🚨🏛️ 👤 Driver Involved: A 45-year-old auto driver named Deva (also referred to as Devela / Devla Nayak), originally from Mahabubnagar and residing in Miyapur, Hyderabad. 📍 Location: In front of Praja Bhavan, the official residence of the Deputy Chief Minister. 📅 Date: 01 February 2024. 🔥 What Happened: The driver set his auto-rickshaw on fire as a form of protest. Police and security personnel immediately intervened and pulled him away, preventing self-harm. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the fire. Reason Behind the Extreme Protest 💸😔 📉 Sharp Income Decline: The driver stated that his daily earnings fell from approximately ₹2,000 to less than ₹500 after the free bus travel scheme began. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Responsibility: He cited his inability to support his wife and three children, saying continued survival had become impossible under the current conditions. Statewide Impact on Auto Drivers 🚖📊 Reports and statements from unions and opposition leaders point to a widespread crisis affecting nearly 6.50 lakh auto drivers across the state. ⚠️ Alleged Suicide Cases: Claims suggest that between 14 and 162 drivers have died by suicide due to financial stress since the scheme’s implementation. Key Demands Raised by Auto Drivers ✊📢 Auto unions and protest groups have placed the following demands before the government: 💰 Compensation: ₹10 lakh ex-gratia for families of drivers who died by suicide. 🧾 Monthly Support: A livelihood allowance of ₹10,000 per month for affected drivers. 🏢 Welfare Measures: Immediate formation of an Auto Workers Welfare Board. 📈 Fare Revision: Increase in auto meter charges to match rising fuel and living expenses. Political & Union Response 🏛️🤝 🚘 BRS Demonstration: BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) drove an electric auto-rickshaw in Hyderabad as a symbolic act of support. 📣 JAC Call: The Auto Drivers Joint Action Committee (JAC) announced a statewide Auto Bandh and protest rallies, accusing the government of failing to fulfill manifesto assurances. Ground-Level Visual Coverage 🎥📍 A video capturing the incident near Praja Bhavan shows the burning auto-rickshaw and police intervention during the protest.