A 32-year-old activist from Telangana died on Friday after setting himself ablaze in support of a demand for 42% reservation for other backward classes (OBCs), triggering protests across Hyderabad and nearby districts.
The activist set himself on fire on Thursday at Peerzadiguda on the outskirts of Hyderabad. 
He succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Gandhi Hospital in Secunderabad. 
His body was later brought to his residence in Jagathgirigutta, Medchal-Malkajgiri district, where hundreds gathered for the funeral procession. 
Leaders from political parties, OBC organisations and social groups visited to pay their respects.
Earlier in the day, officers from the Rachakonda police commissionerate placed prominent OBC leader and MLC Chintapandu Naveen, popularly known as Teenmaar Mallanna, under house arrest to prevent him from attending the procession. 
&ldquo;It is my responsibility to talk to the people. How can you restrict me from meeting my people? What crime have I committed?&rdquo; Mallanna said.
The deceased, originally from Pocharam village in Sangareddy district, worked as a cab driver and lived with his wife and children in Jagathgirigutta. 
His wife told reporters that he had been an active participant in OBC movements seeking increased reservation in education and employment.
According to police, the activist visited Mallanna&rsquo;s office on Thursday to discuss the quota issue. 
&ldquo;When he came to know that the MLC was not there, he was anguished and set himself ablaze. He died while undergoing treatment at Gandhi Hospital at Secunderabad on Friday afternoon,&rdquo; the police said.
News of his death sparked widespread protests by OBC groups across Hyderabad. 
Demonstrators demanded justice from the state government, prompting police to use mild force and carry out mass detentions. 
Among those held were BC JAC state chairman Jajula Srinivasa Goud and MLC Naveen.&nbsp;
Protesters were taken into custody at several police stations, including Trimulgherry, Karkhana, Ramgopalpet, Chilkalguda, Bollaram, Amberpet and Uppal.
Goud described the activist&rsquo;s death as a &ldquo;murder&rdquo; by both the state and Central governments and demanded suspension of ongoing sarpanch elections until 42% OBC reservation is implemented.

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Activist Dies After Self-Immolation Over OBC Quota

Telangana activist’s death over OBC quota demand sparks statewide protests

December 7, 2025 | 09:45 IST