Petrol pump worker stabbed by customer over queue dispute in Sylhet
Pump owners have called a half-day strike demanding arrest and punishment of those involved, and measures to ensure the safety of petrol pump workers.
A petrol pump worker was stabbed by a customer following a dispute over breaking the queue to get fuel in Sylhet city.
The incident occurred at Uttara Petroleum in the Chowkidekhi area of the city shortly before iftar yesterday (9 March). Sylhet Airport Police Station Officer-in-Charge (investigation) Soumen Mitra confirmed the matter.
The injured worker was identified as Mithu Goyala, son of Bijoy Goyal, a resident of Malinichhara Tea Garden.
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According to police, around 15-20 minutes before iftar, a customer arrived at the petrol pump to take fuel.
When the pump workers asked him to follow the queue, he refused and attempted to take fuel by breaking the line, which led to a verbal altercation with the employees.
The customer later left the spot but returned to the pump about two minutes before iftar and stabbed the worker before fleeing the scene.
Later, co-workers rescued him and admitted him to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital.
Soumen Mitra said, "Police have visited the scene after receiving the information. The accused has been identified and will be arrested soon."
Meanwhile, in protest, the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association's Sylhet divisional committee called a half-day strike at all filling stations and petrol pumps across the division until 2pm today.
The association also demanded the arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved, and measures to ensure the safety of petrol pump workers.
