Indian Oil manager killed in knife attack while taking over petrol pump in Hingoli

An Indian Oil Corporation manager who went to take over a petrol pump at Chondhi in Hingoli district was attacked with a sharp weapon. Mahesh Shelke, the company's manager, died on the spot. The incident has caused alarm in the area, and tension prevailed for some time in the petrol pump premises.

According to the information available, Shelke had gone with his team to take over the petrol pump at Chondhi. While the takeover process was under way as per company rules, an argument broke out between the pump owner and the company team. The two sides clashed over whether the pump should be handed over. The dispute was initially confined to words but escalated within a short time.

After the dispute turned ugly, the pump owner and his son are reported to have attacked Shelke. He was stabbed with a sharp weapon outside the petrol pump. Seriously injured, he collapsed in a pool of blood. Chaos broke out after the attack. Citizens present at the spot rushed to help, but Shelke died on the spot of his grievous injuries.

Police reached the spot soon after being informed. They inspected the area and have begun collecting evidence related to the incident. Information is also being gathered about the weapon used in the attack and the people who were present at the spot. A case has been registered against five accused at Kurunda police station.

Police are investigating the exact reason for the attack, the role of the accused and whether there are other factors behind the incident. They are also looking into what exactly the dispute over the petrol pump was about, and what happened before and after the attack.

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also took note of the incident. In a social media post, he condemned the killing of Mahesh Shelke. Puri said that Mr Mahesh Shelke, Manager (Retail Sales) of IndianOil, lost his life in the line of duty in Maharashtra. He was part of a team taking over an IndianOil retail outlet in Hingoli district and was brutally attacked with a sharp weapon. He said he strongly condemned this violent act.

He offered condolences to Shelke's family. Puri said the Petroleum Ministry and IndianOil stand firmly with the family and will extend all possible support. He also said he had raised the matter with senior officials of the Maharashtra government and the police so that swift and strict action is taken against those responsible, in accordance with the law. He added that the safety and dignity of energy sector employees are of paramount importance.

The attack on a company officer while performing his duty has also caused alarm in the petroleum sector. There are demands for strict action against the accused.