October 8, 2026: Indian Oil Officers’ Association (IOOA) has served a formal notice of protest on Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) management following the killing of Mahesh Shelke, Field Officer, Nanded North Retail Sales Area, who was fatally stabbed while discharging his official duties during an operation at a petrol pump in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district.

In a letter dated October 7, 2026, addressed to the Director (HR), IOCL, the association placed on record its “strongest protest” over Shelke’s death and said the incident raised serious questions about the adequacy of existing security arrangements and risk-assessment mechanisms for officers working in the field.

The association said it had repeatedly warned the management about the safety and security of field officers. According to IOOA, it first highlighted incidents of physical assaults on officers on September 26, 2023, when it sought clear policies, guidelines and comprehensive SOPs for their safety. The issue was raised again on March 16, 2026, when the association specifically demanded comprehensive SOPs and institutional support for ensuring the safety and security of officers on duty.

(Source: IndianPSU)