Petrol can sparks clash
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 08 2011: In what could be described as a direct fallout of growing frustration over shortage of transport fuel in the State, blows have been exchanged at an Imphal petrol pump today.

According to eye witness accounts, the incident occurred at Emo Filling Service Station, Singjamei Thokchom Leikai at around 8.30 am.

It is informed that an employee of the pump namely L Baleshor brought out petrol in a 20-litre container from inside the pump complex evoking sharp reaction from some locals, who claimed to have been keeping vigil at a nearby site suspecting sincerity of the pump personnel.

When one of the locals identified as N Ruhitranjan approached Baleshor and enquired source of the petrol the latter allegedly grabbed Ruhitranjan on the neck and started to rain blows damaging his eye-glasses.

The commotion drew more locals who subsequently assaulted Baleshor before arrival of a police team at the spot prevented the incident from going out of hand.

The 20-litre petrol container that triggered confrontation at Emo Filling Station, Singjamei

Ruhitranjan commented that out of the total allocation of 12 kilolitre petrol, Imo Filling Station distributed petrol on November 6 and 7 through the token system.

While tokens were issued to the public for purchase of Rs 400-500 worth of petrol for four-wheelers numbering about 1000 and Rs 200 for two-wheelers totalling about 2000 many were still left out of the rationing system, said Ruhitranjan.

He further contended that pump officials/personnel declined to state the stock position when some of the left-out customers approached them moments after petrol distribution ceased on November 7 evening.

Contrary to non-allocation of petrol to the customers inspite of issuing them tokens and the very act of the pump personnel taking out the 20-litre container suggest that distribution of petrol to the general public was not carried out in a proper and sincere manner, Ruhitranjan opined and demanded that the Pump officials provide a detail account on distribution of the 12 kilolitre allocation.

Commenting on the issue, Baleshor said the 20 litre petrol container was reserved for use by the Pump personnel in dispensing official duty.

Terming the confrontation as an unfortunate incident due to misunderstanding, he also informed for all concerned that petrol would be provided to all the token holders in the next allocation.

Meanwhile, the 20-litre petrol container has been seized by the police.

A case on the incident has also been reportedly registered at Imphal West police station.