Archive · 7 Oct 2026
IndianOil Officer Killed on Duty; Minister Demands Strict Action
Mahesh Shelke worked for IndianOil and was doing his job at a petrol pump in Maharashtra.
He and his team were taking over or sealing the outlet when an argument reportedly began.
The argument became violent, and Shelke was stabbed and died at the scene.
Reports say he was stabbed seven times.
Officials have not established what caused the argument.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri condemned the attack and called for strict action.
IndianOil said it would support Shelke's family.
Police are trying to find the main accused, and an officers' association has called for better protection for workers in the field.
IndianOil Retail Sales Officer Mahesh Shelke was fatally stabbed while on duty at a petrol pump in Ambachondi village, Hingoli district.
The attack occurred at about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday as Shelke and his team were carrying out an outlet takeover or sealing operation.
Reports say an argument involving Shelke, his team, the pump owner's family members and others turned violent; the dispute's cause remains unknown.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri condemned the killing and said he had raised the matter with senior Maharashtra government and police officials.
Police formed a team to trace the prime accused, while IndianOil and employee associations expressed support for Shelke's family and called for stronger field-worker security.
- Who
- IndianOil officer Mahesh Shelke was killed; Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri called for action.
- What
- Shelke was stabbed to death while involved in an official petrol outlet operation.
- When
- Tuesday at about 4:30 p.m.; the reports identify October 7, 2026.
- Where
- A petrol pump in Ambachondi village, Basmat tehsil, Hingoli district, Maharashtra.
- Why
- An argument reportedly preceded the attack, but its cause has not been established.
Employee safety and accountability
Peaceful dispute resolution
Response to the killing
Employee safety and accountability
The Indian Oil Officers’ Association called for a swift, impartial investigation, accountability and stronger security for field officers.
Peaceful dispute resolution
The LPG Distributors Association of India said disputes between distributors and oil-company officials should be handled peacefully, legally and democratically, and urged distributors to take grievances to the association.
- Victim
- Mahesh Shelke, identified as an IndianOil Retail Sales Officer and Manager
- Incident
- Reports say Shelke was stabbed seven times with a knife and died at the scene.
- Time
- About 4:30 p.m. Tuesday; October 7, 2026 is given in the reports.
- Location
- Ambachondi village, Basmat tehsil, Hingoli district, Maharashtra
- Circumstances
- Shelke and his team were taking over or sealing an outlet when an argument reportedly turned violent.
- Police response
- Police formed a team to trace and arrest the prime accused.
- Association response
- The Indian Oil Officers’ Association issued a protest notice and announced black-badge protests, gate meetings and work-to-rule from October 30.
- Company and ministry response
- Hardeep Singh Puri and IndianOil condemned the killing and said support would be provided to Shelke's family.
