An Indian Oil Corporation official was allegedly stabbed seven times and killed while carrying out an operation to seal a petrol pump in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district, police said, prompting the state-run oil company to seek stringent action against those responsible.
Mahesh Shelke, an Indian Oil sales manager, was attacked at the fuel outlet in Chondhi in Basmat tehsil on Tuesday evening. Police said Shelke and other company officials had gone to the petrol pump as part of an operation to seal the outlet when an argument broke out with members of the operator’s family.
Argument turns violent
The petrol pump, operated by Sahebrao Pandavveer, had remained shut for around three months because of technical issues. Indian Oil officials arrived at the premises on Tuesday to seal the outlet and take further action in accordance with the company’s procedures.
According to police, members of the operator’s family sought about a month to restart operations at the outlet. The officials did not agree to the request, following which an argument broke out between the two sides.
Police alleged that Pandavveer’s son, Umesh Pandavveer, subsequently attacked Shelke with a knife. Shelke was stabbed seven times and sustained injuries to his abdomen, back and face.
He died at the scene. The alleged attacker fled following the incident, according to the initial police account.
Murder case registered
A murder case was registered at Kurunda police station following the attack. Police formed teams to trace those allegedly involved in the killing.
Later reports said police had detained or arrested several people in connection with the incident, while efforts continued to establish the role of each person present during the confrontation. Investigators are also examining the circumstances that led to the argument and the sequence of events immediately preceding the attack.
The exact motive and responsibility of the accused will be determined during the investigation. The allegations against those named in the case are subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
Indian Oil condemns killing
Indian Oil chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney condemned the attack and said Shelke had been killed while performing his official duties.
The company said it had taken up the incident with senior Maharashtra authorities and sought swift and stringent action against those responsible. Indian Oil also said it would stand by Shelke’s family following his death.
Shelke was associated with Indian Oil’s operations in the Nanded region and was described by the company as a promising officer who had earned the respect of his colleagues.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also condemned the killing and called the attack on an official carrying out his duties unacceptable.
Employees raise safety concerns
The killing has also triggered concerns among Indian Oil employees over the safety of officers sent to enforce company decisions at fuel outlets.
Employees protested following Shelke’s death and sought stronger security arrangements for personnel undertaking potentially contentious field operations, including inspections, suspension of supplies and sealing of dealerships.
Indian Oil has assured employees that their safety concerns will be addressed and appropriate measures considered for such operations.
Echo of Manjunath case
The killing has also revived memories of the 2005 murder of Indian Oil sales officer S Manjunath in Uttar Pradesh.
Manjunath, 27, was shot dead after taking action against a petrol pump over alleged fuel adulteration in Lakhimpur Kheri. Indian Oil had suspended sales and supplies at the outlet after irregularities were detected, and Manjunath returned to inspect it shortly before he was killed.
The case became a prominent example of the risks faced by field officers responsible for enforcing rules at fuel outlets.
More than two decades later, Shelke’s killing while participating in the sealing of a petrol pump has again raised questions over whether oil company officials need police protection or additional security when carrying out enforcement actions that could lead to confrontation.