Petrol pump dealers in Tamil Nadu are considering a one-day shutdown to protest an attack allegedly carried out by an armed drug gang at an IndianOil outlet in Keel Arasadi, Thoothukudi district.
According to the Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers Association, the incident occurred on May 30. The group reportedly behaved provocatively near the fuel dispensing area, and within an hour a 10-member gang arrived on motorcycles and turned violent, allegedly using knives and bottles.
Association president Murali said the episode should not be treated as a routine law-and-order issue, as petrol stations operate under strict safety norms while handling highly flammable materials.
He said the incident endangered not only staff but also the public, and demanded that the accused be booked under the Goondas Act. The association also called for increased police patrolling to ensure security at petrol outlets.
Murali warned that if safety cannot be assured, dealers would proceed with closing petrol stations across the state for a day as part of the protest.
