Following a brutal assault on petrol pump workers by about a dozen people, and after CCTV footage of the incident went viral on social media, the Faridkot police are under pressure. 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.
Two days ago, a petrol pump in Faridkot was the site of a violent attack when a group of armed miscreants 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 gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and safety concerns.
Recognising the gravity of the matter, the Faridkot police registered a case naming nine identified individuals and several unknown accomplices. However, despite the lapse of two days, police have managed to apprehend only one suspect, while the remaining key accused continue to evade arrest.
Expressing resentment over the slow pace of the investigation, members of Petrol Pump Association, led by president Shri Ashok Sachar, submitted a memorandum to the SSP and DC this afternoon.
“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,” said Ashok Sachar.
Sachar emphasised that the brazen attack has left fuel station workers traumatised and feeling insecure. He said this atmosphere of fear is severely disrupting daily business operations.
The association has given the district administration and police a clear deadline. They warned that 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.
