Free bus service: Autorickshaw driver hangs wife, ends life in suicide pact over loss of income

NIZAMABAD: In a tragic turn of events, a 45-year-old autorickshaw driver  died  by suicide after hanging his wife to death over loss of income after the Telangana Government started implementing free bus service for women. The couple has a son, Mallikarjun.

The couple identified as Swamy and Devalakshmi were residents of the Qila Canal Katta area of Nizamabad. Swamy, who relied on driving an auto for his livelihood, was reportedly grappling with the emotional distress of not being able to operate his vehicle due to the impact of the free bus travel initiated by the Congress government.

In a desperate act, he tied a rope around his wife's neck before taking his own life by hanging himself. Swamy sent a voice message to his sister, expressing his anguish and concern. In the message, he detailed the challenges he faced, particularly the inability to run his auto, which had significantly impacted his income.

However, the loss of both Swamy and Devalakshmi had left their son, Mallikharjun, who was pursuing his studies in the first year of intermediate, orphaned. Swamy asked his sister to ensure the well-being and care of his son.