IOC retail sales manager stabbed to death at Hingoli petrol pump; pump owner absconding

Mahesh Shelke, retail sales manager of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), was murdered at a petrol pump in Hingoli district. He died of wounds inflicted with a sharp weapon. He had gone to the pump in the course of his duty.

The incident took place at around 4.30 pm on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Chondhi Phata in Vasmat taluka of Hingoli district, where a petrol pump named "Sai Umesh" is located.

Shelke had gone to the pump with his team. Irregularities had been found at the pump, and the company wanted to seal it and take possession. The pump's owner, Umesh Pandavveer, and members of his family were present, and a heated argument broke out between them and the officials.

Talks between Indian Oil officials and Pandavveer over the pump had been under way. The Pandavveer family demanded another month's time, after which they would restart the pump. But the company officials stood by their decision to seal the pump and take possession. The argument escalated into a quarrel.

It is alleged that Umesh Pandavveer, who was present there at the time, suddenly attacked Shelke, the company's sales department manager, with a dagger. It is said the dagger was used seven times, while one account says there were more than seven blows. Shelke died of his serious injuries. His body was taken to the sub-district hospital in Vasmat.

After the incident, the accused, Umesh Pandavveer, fled the spot. Police are searching for him. No arrest has been reported so far.

The entire incident, the quarrel and the attack, has been recorded on the petrol pump's CCTV camera. This could be the only evidence available to the police.

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has taken serious note of the murder. The incident is being strongly condemned. The Maharashtra government has been asked to take strict action against the accused as early as possible, in accordance with the law.