Mahesh Shelke, a retail sales manager, was allegedly killed by people associated with the dealer whose pump in Hingoli district was being taken over after remaining dysfunctional for several months despite the company’s instructions to operate it normally.
The incident has shaken employees, prompting the Indian Oil Officers’ Association to protest and demand stronger institutional support for the safety of officers on duty.
“Over the past few years, multiple incidents across locations have indicated a disturbing trend wherein officers performing their duties under challenging operational conditions have faced intimidation, threats, and even physical assaults from various external stakeholders including transporters, vendors, dealers, agents, and local pressure groups,” the Association said in a letter to Indian Oil chairman.
It demanded that Indian Oil handle FIRs arising from incidents involving officers on duty, rather than leaving them to pursue such cases individually. It also called for a standard operating procedure to deal with threats, intimidation and assaults on officers.
Following the incident, Indian Oil chairman A S Sahney assured employees of the company’s support. “At this difficult moment, let me assure each one of you that the Corporation stands firmly with you. Your safety, dignity and security while discharging official responsibilities are paramount,” Sahney wrote.
Oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri condemned the killing. “The issue has been taken up with the senior-most officials of the Maharashtra Government and Police to ensure swift and strict action against those responsible, in accordance with law,” he posted on X.
Indian Oil is the country’s largest fuel retailer, operating about 43,000 petrol pumps. Like other fuel retailers, it largely operates pumps through dealers, who are required to follow specific operational guidelines.