A violent attack during an official inspection in Maharashtra's Hingoli district resulted in the murder of a petroleum company officer on duty. Mahesh Shelke, an official with Indian Oil, was brutally attacked and killed while leading a team to seal an inactive fuel station situated in the Chondhi area under Basmath taluka. What began as a procedural enforcement drive quickly turned fatal after family members connected with the facility strongly resisted the sealing attempt.
Dispute Over Petrol Pump Sealing Turns Violent
According to preliminary police findings, the fuel station in the Chondhi locality had remained non-operational for several days. To officially seal the premises and assume formal custody as per protocol, Mahesh Shelke arrived at the location along with his team from Indian Oil. The petrol pump operator, identified as Sahebrao Pandavveer, opposed the administrative move on the spot. The confrontation began with heated arguments, but tensions escalated rapidly into physical violence between the opposing parties.
Seven Knife Wounds and Stone Pelting at the Team
During the altercation, the fuel station operator's son launched an aggressive assault with a sharp blade, targeting Mahesh Shelke. The attacker repeatedly drove the knife into the officer's chest and body, inflicting seven stab wounds in rapid succession. Due to the severe trauma, Shelke collapsed on the ground and succumbed to his injuries at the site. When accompanying team members moved to detain the assailant, family members of the accused hurled stones at them, creating confusion that allowed the attacker to flee the scene.
Police Investigation and Arrests Underway
Upon receiving alerts regarding the bloodshed, personnel from the Kurunda police station promptly reached the spot and secured the area. The authorities took custody of Shelke's body and dispatched it for a post-mortem examination. Law enforcement officials have registered a criminal case against five individuals linked to the murder. While two accused have already been arrested following initial raids, specialized teams are actively searching to locate and apprehend the remaining suspects.
