Govt asks dists to enforce ban on sale of petrol in bottles
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Bhubaneswar/Balasore: State govt on Saturday directed district collectors to strictly implement the ban on sale of petroleum products in plastic bottles, on a day when a 38-year-old woman died and a 34-year-old man suffered critical burn injuries after they allegedly doused themselves in petrol and set themselves on fire in Mayurbhanj district.
This marks the fourth case of self-immolation involving petroleum products since July 12, when a college student in Balasore set herself ablaze. More than a dozen individuals have since threatened self-immolation to seek resolution of their grievances. A 15-year-old girl from Puri district, who police said had set herself ablaze on July 19, succumbed to her injuries in AIIMS Delhi on Saturday.
On the latest incident, Mayurbhanj SP Varun Guntupalli said the man and woman were married to others.
"Preliminary investigation suggests they were involved in a relationship that led to family tensions," he said.
The woman, a friend of the man's wife, was declared dead at a local hospital. The man remains in critical condition at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
Inspector Anadi Charan Pattayat said that both individuals were reportedly in a romantic relationship, which may have contributed to the incident.
The woman leaves behind a 7-year-old daughter, while the man has a son.
In response to a rise in self-immolation case, the govt has directed district collectors to enforce the ban on selling petroleum products in plastic bottles. Sanjay Kumar Singh, principal secretary, food supplies and consumer welfare department, issued a directive emphasising the prohibition on the sale, supply, transport and storage of petroleum products in plastic bottles.
The govt action follows recent incidents in Balasore, Puri and Mayurbhanj, where victims used petrol or kerosene to douse themselves and set themselves ablaze besides self-immolation threats issued across different parts of the state. The govt has cited various legal frameworks, including the Petroleum Act, 1934, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to ensure strict enforcement of the ban.
Collectors have been instructed to coordinate with key enforcement agencies to review the prohibition's enforcement.
Field officers are directed to conduct spot checks and surprise inspections at retail outlets and fuel stations, taking immediate action against violators.
Fuel stations are required to display warnings in both Odia and English, stating: "Petrol/diesel shall not be sold in plastic bottles or unauthorised containers. Violators will be prosecuted."
The govt mandated strict compliance with the instructions and sought a monthly action taken report on enforcement status, including inspections conducted, violations found and measures taken.
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