Indian Oil official stabbed to death in Maharashtra over petrol pump dispute
An Indian Oil official was allegedly stabbed to death during a dispute over the sealing of a petrol pump in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district, police said.
Mahesh Shelke, a sales manager with Indian Oil, was allegedly attacked seven times by the son of the petrol pump operator during a heated argument on Tuesday evening.
Shelke and his team had arrived to seal the Indian Oil outlet in Chondhi, which had reportedly remained shut for nearly three months due to technical issues.
Dispute turns violent
According to police, petrol pump operator Sahebrao Pandavveer’s family requested another month to restart operations. However, the officials refused the request, leading to a heated argument.
During the altercation, Pandavveer’s son, identified as Umesh Pandavveer, allegedly attacked Shelke with a knife.
Shelke suffered multiple stab wounds to his abdomen, back and face. He collapsed at the spot and died from his injuries.
CCTV footage reportedly showed the accused and others fleeing the scene in two cars following the attack.
Murder case registered, search for accused underway
A murder case has been registered at Kurunda police station, and police teams are searching for the accused and others allegedly involved in the attack.
Indian Oil Chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney condemned the killing, saying Shelke was attacked while carrying out his official duties.
“Deeply anguished by the tragic loss of our colleague, Shri Mahesh Shelke, who was fatally attacked while discharging his official duties in Hingoli, Maharashtra,” Sahney said.
He added that Indian Oil had taken up the matter with the highest authorities in Maharashtra and sought “swift and stringent action” against those responsible.
Deeply anguished by the tragic loss of our colleague, Shri Mahesh Shelke, who was fatally attacked while discharging his official duties in Hingoli, Maharashtra. I strongly condemn this heinous act. We have taken up the matter with the highest authorities in Maharashtra, seeking swift and stringent action against those responsible. IndianOil stands firmly with Shri Shelke’s family in this hour of immense grief. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and loved ones. @HardeepSPuri @PetroleumMin @Secretary_MoPNG @neerajmittalias @sahneyas @IndianOilcl
— ChairmanIOC (@ChairmanIOCL) October 7, 2026
Hardeep Singh Puri condemns 'unacceptable' violence
Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also condemned the killing, describing it as a “shocking” and “unacceptable act of violence.”
Puri said Shelke was part of a team carrying out the takeover of an IndianOil retail outlet in Hingoli when he was “brutally attacked with a sharp weapon.”
The minister expressed condolences to Shelke’s family and assured them of support from the Petroleum Ministry and Indian Oil.
“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,” Puri said.
Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic incident in which Shri Mahesh Shelke, Manager (Retail Sales), IndianOil, lost his life in Maharashtra while discharging his official duties. He was a part of a team carrying out the takeover of an IndianOil retail outlet in Hingoli district when he was brutally attacked with a sharp weapon. I strongly condemn this heinous and unacceptable act of violence. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family in their hour of unimaginable grief and shock. @PetroleumMin and @IndianOilcl firmly stand with them and will extend all possible support. 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. The safety, dignity and security of our energy-sector personnel, who work tirelessly to serve the nation, remain paramount. May the departed soul rest in peace. Om Shanti. 🙏
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) October 7, 2026
He added that the safety and security of energy-sector personnel working to serve the country remained a priority.
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