Following a brutal assault on petrol pump workers by a group of armed miscreants, the Faridkot police are under mounting pressure after CCTV footage of the incident went viral on social media. The Petrol Pump Owners’ Association has warned of a complete shutdown of fuel stations across the district if swift action is not taken within 48 hours.
Attack on Petrol Pump Staff
Two days ago, a petrol pump in Faridkot became the scene of a violent attack when approximately a dozen individuals, wielding sharp-edged weapons, assaulted the staff in broad daylight. Two employees sustained critical injuries. The CCTV footage and videos of the beating have since circulated widely online, sparking widespread outrage and raising serious safety concerns among fuel station workers.
Police Response and Investigation
Recognizing the gravity of the matter, the Faridkot police registered a case naming nine identified individuals along with several unknown accomplices. However, despite the passage of two days, authorities have managed to apprehend only one suspect, while the remaining key accused continue to evade arrest. This slow pace of investigation has drawn sharp criticism from the petrol pump association.
Association’s Memorandum and Ultimatum
Expressing resentment over the delayed arrests, members of the Petrol Pump Association, led by president Shri Ashok Sachar, submitted a memorandum to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and the Deputy Commissioner (DC) this afternoon. Sachar stated, “Some hooligans openly entered the petrol pump and mercilessly thrashed our staff in broad daylight. While police registered an FIR naming nine people, it is disappointing that only one arrest has been made so far.”
Sachar emphasized that the brazen attack has left fuel station workers traumatized and feeling insecure. He noted that this atmosphere of fear is severely disrupting daily business operations. The association has given the district administration and police a clear deadline: if the remaining culprits are not arrested within the next two days, all petrol pump owners across Faridkot district will shut down operations indefinitely and go on strike in protest.
Broader Implications
The incident highlights growing concerns over law and order in the region, particularly the safety of workers at commercial establishments. The viral nature of the CCTV footage has amplified public pressure on authorities to act swiftly. The threatened shutdown could disrupt fuel supply across the district, affecting thousands of residents and businesses if the strike materializes.
