TV
In a disturbing trend of violent attacks across Odisha- petrol, once considered merely a fuel, is now emerging deadly like acid. On many occasions, woman in the state are set ablaze with petrol or diesel, reigniting fears around the easy and illegal availability of this highly inflammable substance.
Despite its dangerous nature, petrol remains easily accessible across Odisha, often sold in plastic bottles in the open market. This unchecked black market has contributed to a spike in horrific incidents, where petrol is being misused for attacks and even self-immolation attempts, particularly targeting women, minors, and young girls.
Following the horrifying FM college student self-immolation case in Balasore, the Odisha government’s Supplies Department is reportedly preparing to introduce stringent guidelines to curb the illicit distribution of petrol.
In another recent incident, a girl in Balanga area under Puri district was set ablaze, reigniting fears around the easy and illegal availability of this highly inflammable substance. Authorities acknowledge a growing concern that criminals are increasingly using petrol as a weapon, replacing acid in many recent cases of violence.
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Illegal petrol sales continue unchecked, with petrol, diesel, and kerosene being openly sold in plastic bottles on the roadside. Shockingly, some petrol pumps are also allegedly dispensing fuel in plastic containers, despite legal prohibitions.
The situation has become so alarming that posters prohibiting the sale of petrol in plastic bottles have recently appeared at several fuel stations in Balasore after the FM student incident. However, enforcement of this regulation remains inconsistent across the state.
"We are getting afraid to venture outside. Petrol and diesel have become more dangerous than acid. These fuels are easily available in the market. The government should take strict measures in this regard," said Rashmirani Behera, a student.
"Strict restrictions should be place if petrol is illegally sold. It's a kind of administrative failure. The culprits should be nabbed immediately and there prosecution should continue in a special court in a time bound manner," said former police DG Sanjeev Marik.
Former police officials have expressed grave concerns and stressed the urgent need for the government to take strict and decisive action to prevent further tragedies stemming from the unregulated and illegal fuel trade.
Despite recurring incidents, serious concerns are being raised about the lack of strict action to curb illegal fuel trade. Questions are being asked as to why, even with existing rules prohibiting the sale of petrol in plastic bottles, such practices continue unabated.
The Petroleum Dealers’ Association has pointed to rampant black-marketing and emphasized the need for the government to take stringent action against such activities. On the other hand, the Supply Department has now woken up to the issue only after multiple unfortunate incidents.
"As petrol is an inflammable product, it should not be easily available due to safety concern. Petrol illegally sold at shops in streets should be stopped. We have already informed the minister about the black marketing of petrol," said Sanjay Lath, General Secretary of Petroleum Dealers’ Association.
Meanwhile, Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra informed that comprehensive guidelines will soon be introduced to regulate the open sale of petrol and diesel.
"Departmental meetings will be conducted with officials, and a concrete decision in this regard will be taken very shortly," said Minister Patra.
