New Delhi: State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) on Wednesday said it has taken up with the authorities concerned the stabbing to death of an officer during sealing of a petrol pump in Maharashtra, as the incident drew parallels with the 2005 murder of a company officer who was killed while inspecting a petrol pump in Uttar Pradesh. IOC identified the deceased as Mahesh Shelke, a field officer with its Nanded North RSA, and said he lost his life in a “shocking incident” while discharging his official duties.
“A bright and promising sales officer, Shri Shelke was a dedicated professional whose commitment and sincerity had earned him the respect of his colleagues,” the company said in a post on X.
“At this hour of immense grief, IndianOil stands firmly with his bereaved family and is extending all possible support to them. The Corporation has taken up the matter with the concerned authorities.”
According to police, Shelke and his team were in the process of sealing a petrol pump in Ambachondi village in Hingoli district around 4.30 pm on Tuesday when an argument allegedly broke out with family members of the pump owner and others present at the site.
The dispute turned violent and Shelke was allegedly stabbed seven times with a knife, killing him at the scene, police said. The exact reason for the dispute was not immediately known. Police have formed a team to trace and arrest the main accused.
The incident recalls the 2005 killing of S Manjunath, a 27-year-old IOC sales officer who was shot dead in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, after inspecting a petrol pump where irregularities had been detected.
According to the Supreme Court record, IOC had suspended sales and supplies at the outlet following Manjunath’s inspection, and he returned to inspect the pump again on November 19, 2005, the day before his body was found.
The Manjunath case became a prominent example of the risks faced by officials enforcing action against irregularities at fuel outlets. IOC’s own archive says Manjunath was killed after he exposed an alleged corruption and oil-adulteration racket.
“We mourn the loss of a valued colleague whose life and career have been cut short far too soon,” IOC said in a post on Shelke. “Our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and loved ones.”
Indian oil Officers’ Association (IOOA), too, expressed deep shock and outrage at the killing of “officer Shri Mahesh Shelke Annarao, Manager, Nanded, Maharashtra, who lost his life while performing his official duties”.
“Violence against an officer of a public sector organisation is absolutely unacceptable. IOOA strongly urge Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, IOC Management and the Government of Maharashtra to ensure a swift, impartial and time-bound investigation and arrest of the perpetrators within 24 hours, subject to due process of law,” it said.
The bereaved family, it said, must receive immediate support, and the safety and security of all officers serving the nation must be ensured.
“There must be zero tolerance for violence against oil company officers performing their duty. Justice must be swift, firm and exemplary,” it added.
IOC said it mourned the loss of a valued colleague “whose life and career have been cut short far too soon” and offered its “deepest condolences” to his family, colleagues and loved ones.
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