U.P. Petrol Pump Manager Shot Dead Over Fuel-in-Bottle Dispute in Bulandshahr

Bulandshahr, U.P. — A 28-year-old petrol pump manager was shot dead late Wednesday night after a dispute with two youths who allegedly demanded petrol in a bottle at a fuel station on the Sikandrabad-Kakod road, police said on Thursday.

The victim, Raju Sharma, a resident of Jitaka Aurangabad village, was on duty at Sawan Filling Station when the altercation occurred. According to eyewitnesses and preliminary police findings, the two youths arrived on a motorcycle and purchased petrol worth ₹200. After refueling, they requested additional petrol to be filled in a bottle — a practice that is generally prohibited under safety and regulatory guidelines.

When the pump attendant denied their request, citing the rules, the youths allegedly became aggressive and began abusing him. The attendant then brought the matter to the attention of the manager, Raju Sharma.

The situation quickly escalated. As per police accounts, the duo continued hurling abuses and even pushed another staff member to the ground during the confrontation. In the heat of the moment, one of the accused allegedly pulled out a pistol and shot Sharma multiple times at point-blank range. The attackers then fled the scene on their motorcycle.

Raju Sharma was rushed to a private hospital in Sikandrabad but succumbed to his injuries en route. Doctors declared him dead on arrival.

“An FIR is being registered and a thorough investigation is underway,” Circle Officer Purnima Singh said. “We are committed to taking swift and strict action.”

Petrol pump owner Rahul Sharma confirmed that the police were informed immediately following the shooting. Senior police officials, including SP City Shankar Prasad, reached the spot with a large contingent. Authorities recorded witness statements and collected forensic evidence from the scene.

As of now, a manhunt has been launched to trace the two accused. Police have also sought CCTV footage from the petrol pump and nearby establishments to aid in identification and arrests.

The incident has sparked shock and anger in the local community, with many urging authorities to ensure justice and improve safety at public workplaces.