Raipur Petrol Pump Shock: Man Ignites Fuel Nozzle After Smoking Row
A catastrophic disaster was narrowly avoided in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, after a man set a fuel nozzle on fire when asked to stop smoking. Watch the viral CCTV video.
Rajeev
RAIPUR: A horrific incident that nearly turned into a massive explosion unfolded at a petrol pump in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on Thursday evening. A young man, identified as Dharmendra Kshatri, allegedly set a fuel nozzle and a motorcycle on fire using a lighter after being warned by staff to stop smoking on the premises.
The dramatic episode, captured on high-definition CCTV, shows how a simple safety reminder escalated into a life-threatening arson attempt within seconds.
The Incident: From Cigarette to Inferno
The incident occurred at a petrol station in the Urla area (specifically Birgaon) of Raipur around 7:00 PM on February 17, 2026. Two men, Dharmendra Kshatri and his friend Imran, arrived on a motorcycle to refuel.
As the pump attendant opened the fuel tank and prepared to dispense petrol, Dharmendra reportedly pulled out a cigarette and attempted to light it. Despite objections from his friend Imran and strict warnings from the petrol pump staff, an enraged Dharmendra used his lighter to ignite the fuel nozzle pipe.
The result was an immediate fireball. Flames quickly engulfed the bike’s fuel tank and spread toward the dispenser machine, triggering mass panic among other customers and staff.
Quick Thinking Prevents Catastrophe
A major disaster was averted solely due to the heroic and professional response of the petrol pump employees. CCTV footage shows an attendant acting with lightning speed to:
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Cut off the fuel flow from the dispenser immediately.
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Pull the burning nozzle away from the underground storage path.
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Deploy fire extinguishers to douse the flames before they could reach the main tanks.
While the fuel splashed back onto the accused during the flare-up, no serious injuries were reported.
Arrests and Legal Action
Following the incident, Dharmendra and Imran attempted to flee the scene but were intercepted by the alert pump staff and handed over to the police.
Urla Police Inspector Rohit Mahelkar confirmed that both individuals have been arrested. A case has been registered under various sections of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) related to arson, endangering public safety, and negligent conduct with fire.
| Key Details | Information |
| Location | Urla/Birgaon, Raipur, Chhattisgarh |
| Main Accused | Dharmendra Kshatri |
| Date of Incident | February 19, 2026 |
| Charges | Arson, Public Endangerment |
| Outcome | Both suspects arrested; Disaster averted by staff |
A Lesson in Petrol Pump Safety
Authorities have used this viral incident to remind the public that petrol pumps are highly volatile zones. Even a tiny spark from a lighter or static electricity from a mobile phone can trigger an explosion capable of destroying an entire block.
