Tura, Aug 12: A petrol pump worker was today shot at point blank range
by unidentified assailant in the outskirt of Tura at Bokmagre, about 7
km from here.
The deceased identified as Bittu Patel, 24 of Samastipur in Bihar was
an employee of Rachael petrol pump. He was working at the fuel station
for 5 years now.
The incident took place around 8:30 am this morning.
“Gunmen shot at him from point blank range on his chest. We have
registered a case on the incident based on an FIR. We have obtained
the CCTV footage from the fuel station. It shows two bikers, one with
a helmet. The footage is not clear but we are trying to figure out”,
said Mukesh Singh, superintendent of police, West Garo Hills.
“Two persons were on a new pulsar bike, which had no number plate.
Bittu went up to pour the fuel. He was trying to speak to the biker,
who wore a full mask helmet, while the other, who was behind shot at
him. He died on the spot”, said manager of the fuel station at Tura
civil hospital.
His death has sparked of severe condemnation with the petrol pump
association in Garo hills calling for an immediate shutdown.
The petrol pump association has met deputy commissioner, Pravin Bakshi
to apprise him about their decision for closure. They also met
superintendent of police, Mukesh Singh seeking adequate actions to
book the culprit.
The deputy commissioner of West Garo Hills, Pravin Bakshi has asked
the superintendent of police, Mukesh Singh to immediate give a report
on the incident. “Prima facie looks like that it is a case of
militancy. After receiving the report from the police, I will
immediately write to political and home department for release of
interim compensation for the bereaved families”.
Bakshi has requested the petrol pump association not to go ahead with
their indefinite strike. “They will hold a meeting and will convey
their decision to the district administration. I have asked them to at
least open few stations within the town tomorrow”, he added.
He also told that all assistance will be provided by the district
administration to escort the body to his native town in Bihar.
In Bongaigoan oil refinery, the workers have stopped their supply for
Garo hills as a mark of protest.
Police has launched an intensive operation in the district and is
looking for the perpetrators of the crime. Frisking and checking are
on in different parts of Garo hills
Owner of the fuel station, who did not wish to be quoted, told The
Telegraph “Bittu was engaged recently and his marriage was due after
two months. His father, who also lives in Tura, has gone to Bihar to
fix up the marriage date. We will send his body”.
“It is a sorry state of affairs that this has happened to him. We will
do whatever possible support we can lend to him family at this time of
grief and sorrow”, added the owner.
Police have recovered a 9mm bullet shell from the incident spot. His
post mortem was done at Tura civil hospital this afternoon.
The closure of petrol station in Tura has brought Tura to a complete
standstill. Public transport in Garo hills is almost closed down. Few
private vehicles were seen in the streets of Tura during the day.
“I have been waiting at the fuel station for about 40 minutes. They
are yet to open. I have to travel back to Rongjeng in East Garo
Hills”, said a customer, who was waiting at Hawakhana petrol pump.(SP News)
