Mohammadpur man threatens fuel pump staff with pistol after being denied extra fuel

A man pulled out a pistol and threatened staff at a fuel pump in Dhaka's Mohammadpur after they refused to give him fuel beyond the permitted limit, police said.

The incident took place at the Sonargaon Fuel Pump in the Asad Gate area yesterday (8 March) at around 2:53pm.

According to police sources, the man, identified as Syed Mahmudul Ela, arrived at the pump and reportedly broke the queue while claiming to be a journalist.

Despite a long line of vehicles, he was given Tk1,500 worth of fuel after saying his wife, who was inside the car, was ill.

After receiving the fuel, he allegedly demanded an additional amount beyond the limit set under government directives.

When pump staff refused, he reportedly pulled a pistol from his waist and threatened them before leaving the scene.

Md Jewel Rana, additional deputy commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Mohammadpur zone, said police were informed about the incident.

"The magistrate present there is also aware of the matter. He was later released after his weapon licence was checked. Instructions have been issued to the concerned police station to keep his weapon deposited there," he said.

CCTV footage from the pump reportedly shows Ela taking fuel and later arguing with a pump employee.

At one stage, he is seen pulling out a pistol from his waist and moving towards the employee. People present at the pump later gathered and restrained him.

Pump employees said Ela moved to the front of the queue by identifying himself as a journalist from a private television channel. They said he claimed his wife was ill and urgently needed fuel.

The employees added that they later asked him to speak with the manager for permission. Following the manager's instruction, the staff provided him with Tk1,500 worth of fuel.

Local sources said Ela lives in Chandrima Model Town under Mohammadpur Police Station. His son, Simanto, was also reportedly present in the car during the incident.

When contacted, Syed Mahmudul Ela gave a different account of the incident.

"My wife had eye surgery this morning. I stood in line for two hours to get fuel. Later, I requested a sergeant standing there, explained the illness, and then went to take fuel after breaking the queue," he said.

He added that the pump authorities gave him Tk1,500 worth of fuel but became agitated when he asked for Tk2,000 worth.

"They pushed me and used abusive language. Later, I pulled out my legal pistol to strike him. A magistrate from a nearby office came, heard the incident, and released me after seeing my weapon's licence," he said.

Responding to a question that CCTV footage did not show anyone pushing him, he alleged that the footage had been edited.