Petrol Pump Manager Shot Dead Over Dispute in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr; Police Launch Probe
A shocking incident of violence unfolded late Wednesday night in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district, where a young petrol pump manager was allegedly shot dead following an altercation with two men over a fuel-related dispute, police officials confirmed on Thursday.
The fatal shooting took place at the Sawan Filling Station, located on the Sikandrabad-Kakod road, a busy route frequented by commuters and transport vehicles. The incident has left the local community in a state of shock and prompted a heavy deployment of police at the site as authorities began their investigation.
Dispute Over Petrol Sparks Deadly Confrontation
According to initial reports and eyewitness accounts, the tragic chain of events began when two young men riding a motorcycle arrived at the filling station around late evening hours. The duo refueled their motorcycle, purchasing petrol worth ₹200. After the fuel was dispensed into their bike’s tank, the two reportedly demanded additional petrol — this time in a bottle.
The petrol pump salesman on duty politely declined their request, explaining that, as per fuel station regulations, selling petrol in bottles or other containers is prohibited for safety and legal reasons. However, the explanation did not sit well with the two men, who allegedly began to hurl verbal abuse at the staff.
In an attempt to defuse the situation, the salesman called for the intervention of the petrol pump’s manager, 28-year-old Raju Sharma, a resident of Jitaka Aurangabad village. Raju, known to be calm and composed, tried to reason with the agitated duo. But instead of resolving the matter, the confrontation reportedly escalated further.
Argument Turns Violent; Manager Fatally Shot
Eyewitnesses recounted that as tempers flared, the two men allegedly continued to abuse both Raju Sharma and other staff present at the scene. During the heated exchange, one of the suspects is said to have physically pushed another employee to the ground.
Before the staff could comprehend the gravity of the situation or react, one of the miscreants allegedly pulled out a pistol. Without any further warning, he opened fire at close range, shooting Raju Sharma multiple times — four bullets struck him, leaving him critically injured.
As panic spread across the station, the two assailants immediately fled the scene on their motorcycle, disappearing into the night.
Rush to Hospital Fails to Save Victim
Colleagues and bystanders acted swiftly, rushing the injured Raju Sharma to a private hospital in Sikandrabad in hopes of saving his life. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated rapidly due to the severity of his injuries, and doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Police Launch Investigation, Promise Stern Action
Petrol pump owner Rahul Sharma confirmed that the police were informed about the shooting immediately after the incident. In response, senior police officials, including Superintendent of Police (SP City) Shankar Prasad and Circle Officer (CO) Purnima Singh, arrived at the crime scene along with a significant police force to take stock of the situation.
The police cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence, including CCTV footage from the filling station, which could potentially aid in identifying the suspects. Statements from eyewitnesses and staff members were also recorded as part of the initial investigation.
Speaking on the matter, CO Purnima Singh stated, “A formal investigation is currently underway. An FIR is being registered against the accused. We will ensure strict and appropriate legal action is taken against those responsible for this heinous crime.”
The brutal killing has sparked outrage in the area, with residents demanding swift justice for Raju Sharma and tighter security measures at fuel stations to prevent such violent confrontations in the future.
