Madurai: The Tamil Nadu Petrol Dealers Association (TNPDA) has issued a stern warning of a one-day statewide shutdown of fuel outlets if the government fails to intervene in a recent machete attack at a petrol bunk in Thoothukudi and the subsequent police handling of the case.
Attack Details
According to TNPDA President K P Murali, the incident occurred at an Indian Oil outlet where a group allegedly misbehaved with employees after being asked not to urinate near the fuel dispensing area. Murali stated, "After about an hour, they returned to the same place with a gang of around ten people. They came with dangerous weapons. They had machetes, rods and iron rods. They targeted the staff who had stopped them earlier and tried to assault them."
The employees took shelter inside a room while the group damaged property belonging to the public sector oil company. Murali urged the district administration to identify and arrest those responsible and called for stronger action against drug abuse. He also criticized police for removing the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) from the outlet's surveillance system.
Protest Threat
Murali warned that all 7,000 fuel retail outlets across the state could suspend sales in protest over attacks on petrol bunk staff and concerns over the seizure of surveillance equipment by police. The association is demanding immediate government intervention to ensure the safety of employees and proper investigation of the incident.
The TNPDA has given the government a deadline to respond, failing which the shutdown will be enforced. The association's move has drawn attention to the rising number of attacks on fuel station staff and the need for enhanced security measures at such establishments.
