The sealed pump in Chondhi had been shut for three months because of technical faults. Operator Sahebrao Pandavveer had told the officials it would need a month to restart, but the Indian Oil team declined, sparking a heated exchange.
Umesh Pandavveer, son of the operator, drew a knife and stabbed Mahesh Shelke seven times. The injuries hit his abdomen, back and face, and he died on the spot.
CCTV footage captured the attack and the accused escaping in a vehicle. Police have now registered a murder case at Kurunda police station and are actively searching for the accused.
Indian Oil chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney condemned the “heinous act” and demanded swift action from Maharashtra authorities.
Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri called the killing “shocking and unacceptable” and pledged support to Shelke’s family.
Investigators are combing the surrounding area for the fleeing suspect, and a police station has set up a dedicated task force to expedite the arrest.