Hyderabad, September 4
The sudden demise of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy in a tragic helicopter accident has triggered a spate of suicides and deaths due to shock in the state.

As many as 67 persons died of shock and grief in different parts of the state. Of them, 20 persons committed suicide, unable to bear the sense of loss over the death of their beloved leader.

Several of them died of sudden heart attacks after watching the news of YSR’s death on television channels.Though the news channels put the toll at more than 100, the officials of the Information Department have put the number at 67, including 20 suicides.

This is the first time in the state's history that such a large number of people have died of shock or committed suicide over the death of any political leader. When legendary hero and Telugu Desam Party founder N T Rama Rao died on January 18, 1996, a few fans had committed suicide.

Meanwhile, official sources said Warangal district in the backward Telangana region reported the maximum number of 17 deaths, most of whom were beneficiaries of YSR’s pet schemes such as “Indiramma houses” and “Arogyasri” health insurance.

In his suicide note before hanging himself to death, 30-year old Ram Reddy in Warangal stated that he was dedicating his life to YSR, who had “sacrificed his life for the people”.

In Hyderabad, a bank employee N Suresh Kumar (42) residing at Kushaiguda hanged himself to death on coming to know of the death of the Chief Minister, according to his family members. At Amberpet in the city, 42-year old Yadagiri died of heart attack while watching the news of YSR’s death on a TV channel.

At Marpally in the neighbouring Rangareddy district, a 28-year old farmer Narayana also hanged himself to death in his fields, after weeping inconsolably for a long time.

A physically handicapped couple, who were getting monthly pension from the government under a welfare scheme, attempted suicide by jumping into Godavari river but were saved by fishermen.

At Kamballapadu village in Prakasam district, a youth K V Rayudu committed suicide by hanging himself. In a suicide note, he said he was unable to come to terms with YSR’s death. In Chittoor, a 19-year old student Laxminarayana committed suicide by consuming pesticide. 

Moved by the spate of suicides by his father’s admirers, YSR’s son and Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy made an appeal to the people through electronic media not to resort to any extreme step and urged them to face the situation boldly.

“He is our beloved leader. He used to smile always and wanted to see a smile on our faces for ever. We have to overcome our grief and control ourselves. Let us all strive to realise his ideals which is the best way to pay homage to the departed soul,” he said.