Pune: Argument Over Rs 1 Change Leads to Petrol Pump Vandalism Near Lonavla

Lonavla, 28th March 2026: The Lonavla City Police have registered a case against six to seven identified persons and several others for allegedly vandalising a petrol pump office after a dispute over change during a refuelling transaction.

The incident occurred around 7 pm on Thursday at a fuel station near Tungarli in Lonavla. According to police officials, the accused were residents of Pen taluka in Raigad district and were returning after visiting the Ekvira temple at Karla when the altercation took place.

Preliminary information suggests that a group of five to six people travelling in a car stopped at the petrol pump to refuel. During the transaction, the group reportedly handed over ₹1,000 and asked the staff to fill petrol worth ₹999 and return the remaining ₹1. As the pump staff did not have the exact change, a heated argument broke out between the two sides. During the altercation, both sides allegedly exchanged abuses, and a staff member of the petrol pump is also accused of manhandling a minor who was part of the group.

Police said the matter escalated when the group left the spot and returned nearly half an hour later with additional people. The group allegedly damaged property inside the petrol pump office and assaulted two employees with an iron rod. A video of the incident, reportedly recorded by a bystander, has circulated on social media.

Based on a complaint, the Lonavla City Police have registered an offence under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to unlawful assembly, rioting, voluntarily causing hurt and mischief causing damage to property.

Investigating officer and head constable Shashi Khopade said notices have been issued to the accused and further investigation is in progress.

Police officials also stated that members of the accused group have filed a non-cognisable complaint against the petrol pump staff, alleging that a minor from their group was assaulted during the initial confrontation.