IndianOil officer Mahesh Shelke was attacked during an official operation to seal and take over a petrol pump in Hingoli (Img: Dynamite News)
Mumbai: An Indian Oil officer was allegedly stabbed to death while carrying out an official operation to seal and take over a petrol pump in Maharashtra's Hingoli district. The victim, identified as 37-year-old Mahesh Shelke, was reportedly attacked during a confrontation at the outlet on Tuesday.
Shelke, a manager in Indian Oil's retail sales division, had reached a petrol pump in Chondhi village along with a team of company officials. The outlet had reportedly remained shut for around three months because of technical issues before operations resumed.
According to police, the team had gone to seal the outlet and take possession of it. The family associated with the petrol pump reportedly sought additional time to continue operations, leading to a dispute with the officials. The disagreement eventually escalated into violence.
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Police said Shelke was allegedly attacked with a dagger during the confrontation. He sustained seven stab wounds, including injuries to his abdomen, back and face, and died at the spot.
The incident has led to a murder investigation at Kurunda police station. Police have arrested five people in connection with the case, including the alleged main attacker. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the sequence of events at the petrol pump.
The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of officials carrying out enforcement and regulatory duties.
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Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri condemned Shelke's killing and sought swift and strict action against those responsible. He said the matter had been taken up with senior Maharashtra government and police officials.
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
Indian Oil Chairman A S Sahney also expressed grief over the death and said the company had approached the highest authorities in Maharashtra for stringent action. The company said it would extend support to Shelke's bereaved family.
Shelke's killing has also drawn comparisons with the 2005 murder of Indian Oil officer S Manjunath, who was killed in Uttar Pradesh after acting against irregularities at a petrol pump
