A youth reportedly set a bike on fire when asked not to smoke at a fuel pump in Chhattisgarh's Raipur. Fire broke out when the man lit his cigarette and then set a fuel nozzle and bike ablaze while fueling the petrol using a lighter when he was stopped for smoking. Soon after the incident, the pump staff doused the flame with a fire extinguisher, averting a major disaster. The incident occurred at a petrol pump in the Urla area of the Raipur district on Thursday evening. According to police, the two individuals, Dharmendra Kshatri and Imran, were at the pump on a motorcycle to refuel. According to a report by the TOI, police stated that Imran was on the bike seat while Dharmendra stood nearby, fueling the petrol. When the fuel tank was opened, Dharmendra reportedly took out a cigarette and attempted to light it. When Dharmendra was asked to stop smoking at the petrol pump, he allegedly lost his temper and set the fuel nozzle pipe on fire using a lighter, causing flames to erupt.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Man sets bike on fire after being stopped from lighting cigarette at fuel pump in India <a href="https://t.co/Mo6YUVlKF8">pic.twitter.com/Mo6YUVlKF8</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2024686470615990653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Staff averts possible explosion</h3>The blaze rapidly spread to the motorcycle’s fuel tank and the pump machine, sparking panic. Both the biker and a pump worker ran away as the fire intensified. According to officials, an alert attendant quickly removed the fuel pipe and shut off the main fuel supply. Using the pump’s fire safety equipment, staff extinguished the flames in time, averting a possible explosion or major accident. Amid the chaos, burning fuel reportedly splashed onto the accused. The two men tried to escape but were stopped by pump employees, who alerted the police and filed a complaint. In response to the incident, the suspects, based on the pump manager’s statement and CCTV footage, were arrested by the Urla police. Inspector Rohit Mahelkar said cases have been registered under arson and endangering public safety charges. Police added that the staff’s swift action prevented the fire from spreading to nearby vehicles and fuel storage areas.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/iowa-alpha-delta-phi-frat-hazing-video-56-shirtless-boys-1771568882681">56 motionless, shirtless boys covered in sauce: Horrifying frat house video is beyond creepy</a>

Amid the chaos, burning fuel reportedly splashed onto the accused. When both men tried to escape, they were stopped by pump employees, who alerted the police and filed a complaint. The incident occurred at a petrol pump in the Urla area of the Raipur district on Thursday evening.

A youth reportedly set a bike on fire when asked not to smoke at a fuel pump in Chhattisgarh's Raipur. Fire broke out when the man lit his cigarette and then set a fuel nozzle and bike ablaze while fueling the petrol using a lighter when he was stopped for smoking. Soon after the incident, the pump staff doused the flame with a fire extinguisher, averting a major disaster. The incident occurred at a petrol pump in the Urla area of the Raipur district on Thursday evening. According to police, the two individuals, Dharmendra Kshatri and Imran, were at the pump on a motorcycle to refuel. According to a report by the TOI, police stated that Imran was on the bike seat while Dharmendra stood nearby, fueling the petrol. When the fuel tank was opened, Dharmendra reportedly took out a cigarette and attempted to light it. When Dharmendra was asked to stop smoking at the petrol pump, he allegedly lost his temper and set the fuel nozzle pipe on fire using a lighter, causing flames to erupt.

Amid the chaos, burning fuel reportedly splashed onto the accused. When both men tried to escape, they were stopped by pump employees, who alerted the police and filed a complaint. The incident occurred at a petrol pump in the Urla area of the Raipur district on Thursday evening.

Asked not to smoke at petrol pump, youth sets bike & fuel nozzle ablaze in Chhattisgarh's Raipur: VIDEO

The banned CPI (Maoist) has declared to temporarily suspend its armed struggle to enable peace talks, but demanded that the government announce a one-month 'ceasefire' and suspend security operations to begin the dialogue. In response, the Chhattisgarh government said it is verifying the authenticity of the statement, which appeared on social media on Tuesday, according to a report by news agency PTI.&nbsp;In the alleged statement, the Maoists urged the government to convey their response through the government's news media, including radio. Dated August 15 and signed by Abhay, spokesperson of the Maoist central committee, the two-page note was released nearly four months after the death of Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the group’s general secretary, during an encounter with security forces in Bastar, Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said on Tuesday that the authenticity of the statement was being verified and that Maoists should surrender and avail rehabilitation benefits. He added that the term 'ceasefire' is highly objectionable because there is no war-like situation that requires one.&nbsp;The term 'ceasefire' is highly objectionable as there is no war-like situation that requires one. In a democracy, dialogue cannot come with preconditions, yet the Maoists have once again imposed them. The government, however, will review the authenticity of the statement before holding internal discussions.&nbsp;According to the Maoist note, they had earlier suggested a one-month ceasefire to consult their top leadership. But the Centre did not respond positively; instead, it escalated its security operations. "To take forward the process of peace talks that was started on the initiative of the party's general secretary (late Basavaraju), we are making it clear that in view of the changed global and national circumstances, as well as the continuous requests being made by the country's Prime Minister, Home Minister and senior police officers to give up arms and join the mainstream, we have decided to shun arms," it said in statement.&nbsp;"We have decided to declare a temporary halt to the armed struggle. We are making it clear that in the future, we will fight shoulder to shoulder with all political parties and organisations fighting for the public cause as far as possible," the statement added.<h3>Maoists offered direct talks with the Government.</h3>Banned CPI(M) offered to direct talks with the Union Home Minister or any government officials from the centre appointed by him, or a delegation on this issue, demanding one month to consult with their imprisoned comrades working in different states across the country.&nbsp;"We are ready to talk to the Union Home Minister or persons appointed by him or a delegation on this issue. But we will have to inform the party about our changed opinion. Therefore, our request to the Central Government is to give us one month to consult with our comrades working in different states across the country and those imprisoned," it said.&nbsp;"We are also ready to exchange views with the government on this subject, primarily through video call. Therefore, we are making it clear once again that (the government should) immediately declare a formal ceasefire for a month, stop search operations and take forward the peace process," it said.<h3>Govt to examine statements&nbsp;</h3>In response, Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range Sundarraj P told news agency PTI that police have taken note of the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee's statement regarding the laying down of arms for peace talks. However, the authenticity of the statements is being verified and carefully examined.&nbsp;The IPS officer added that any decision on engagement or dialogue with the CPI (Maoist) lies completely with the government, taking an appropriate call after due consideration and assessment of the situation and circumstances.&nbsp;

After banned CPI (Maoist) announced for peace talk with the government on social meida, the Chhattisgarh government said it is verifying the authenticity of the statement, which appeared on Tuesday.

The banned CPI (Maoist) has declared to temporarily suspend its armed struggle to enable peace talks, but demanded that the government announce a one-month 'ceasefire' and suspend security operations to begin the dialogue. In response, the Chhattisgarh government said it is verifying the authenticity of the statement, which appeared on social media on Tuesday, according to a report by news agency PTI. In the alleged statement, the Maoists urged the government to convey their response through the government's news media, including radio. Dated August 15 and signed by Abhay, spokesperson of the Maoist central committee, the two-page note was released nearly four months after the death of Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the group’s general secretary, during an encounter with security forces in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said on Tuesday that the authenticity of the statement was being verified and that Maoists should surrender and avail rehabilitation benefits. He added that the term 'ceasefire' is highly objectionable because there is no war-like situation that requires one. The term 'ceasefire' is highly objectionable as there is no war-like situation that requires one. In a democracy, dialogue cannot come with preconditions, yet the Maoists have once again imposed them. The government, however, will review the authenticity of the statement before holding internal discussions. According to the Maoist note, they had earlier suggested a one-month ceasefire to consult their top leadership. But the Centre did not respond positively; instead, it escalated its security operations. "To take forward the process of peace talks that was started on the initiative of the party's general secretary (late Basavaraju), we are making it clear that in view of the changed global and national circumstances, as well as the continuous requests being made by the country's Prime Minister, Home Minister and senior police officers to give up arms and join the mainstream, we have decided to shun arms," it said in statement. "We have decided to declare a temporary halt to the armed struggle. We are making it clear that in the future, we will fight shoulder to shoulder with all political parties and organisations fighting for the public cause as far as possible," the statement added. Maoists offered direct talks with the Government. Banned CPI(M) offered to direct talks with the Union Home Minister or any government officials from the centre appointed by him, or a delegation on this issue, demanding one month to consult with their imprisoned comrades working in different states across the country. "We are ready to talk to the Union Home Minister or persons appointed by him or a delegation on this issue. But we will have to inform the party about our changed opinion. Therefore, our request to the Central Government is to give us one month to consult with our comrades working in different states across the country and those imprisoned," it said. "We are also ready to exchange views with the government on this subject, primarily through video call. Therefore, we are making it clear once again that (the government should) immediately declare a formal ceasefire for a month, stop search operations and take forward the peace process," it said. Govt to examine statements In response, Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range Sundarraj P told news agency PTI that police have taken note of the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee's statement regarding the laying down of arms for peace talks. However, the authenticity of the statements is being verified and carefully examined. The IPS officer added that any decision on engagement or dialogue with the CPI (Maoist) lies completely with the government, taking an appropriate call after due consideration and assessment of the situation and circumstances.

After the banned CPI (Maoist) announced peace talks with the government on social media, the Chhattisgarh government said it is verifying the authenticity of the statement, which appeared on Tuesday.

Maoists offer to suspend armed struggle, demand govt to declare 'ceasefire' for talks

The Chhattisgarh Cabinet on Tuesday decided to appoint Sneha Girepunje as Deputy Superintendent of Police. She is the wife of Additional SP Akash Rao Girepunje (42), who was martyred during an anti-Naxal operation in Sukma district of Bastar division on June 9, 2025. On that day, while inspecting a quarry site where Maoists had set fire to a construction vehicle, Girepunje stepped on an IED and lost his life.&nbsp;“As a special case, the Cabinet approved a compassionate appointment for his wife, Smt. Sneha Girepunje, to the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) in the State Police Service,” a government press note stated.&nbsp;According to the Indian Express report, Girepunje’s brother Akash responded to the CM’s decision, “We are pleased to hear this. It is almost impossible to fill his shoes but our family is confident that my sister-in-law will pave the way towards a great future…”<h3>Chhattisgarh Cabinet clears solar energy policy</h3>Officials stated that the initiative was taken to support the families of security personnel who sacrificed their lives while serving. In addition to the appointment of a slain police officer to the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police, the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also cleared the state’s solar energy policy and enhanced support for retired journalists, as per the TOI report.&nbsp;The cabinet confirmed that the state solar energy policy will remain active till 2030 or until the government come up with a new policy. Additionally, solar energy projects will receive priority industry status under the new policy.&nbsp;A government official told India Express, “Under the solar energy policy, various investment incentives, grants, exemptions and concessions are provided for the solar power generation plants to be set up in the state. In particular, there is a provision for exemption from payment of electricity duty on the plant’s own consumption (auxiliary consumption) and captive consumption within the state by every solar energy power generation project. Apart from this, solar energy projects set up under the Solar Energy Policy 2017-27 will be eligible for industrial investment incentives announced for core sector industries (except steel) under the Industrial Development Policy 2024-30.”

In addition to the appointment of a slain police officer to the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police, the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also cleared the state’s solar energy policy and enhanced support for retired journalists.

The Chhattisgarh Cabinet on Tuesday decided to appoint Sneha Girepunje as Deputy Superintendent of Police. She is the wife of Additional SP Akash Rao Girepunje (42), who was martyred during an anti-Naxal operation in Sukma district of Bastar division on June 9, 2025. On that day, while inspecting a quarry site where Maoists had set fire to a construction vehicle, Girepunje stepped on an IED and lost his life. “As a special case, the Cabinet approved a compassionate appointment for his wife, Smt. Sneha Girepunje, to the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) in the State Police Service,” a government press note stated. According to the Indian Express report, Girepunje’s brother Akash responded to the CM’s decision, “We are pleased to hear this. It is almost impossible to fill his shoes but our family is confident that my sister-in-law will pave the way towards a great future…” Chhattisgarh Cabinet clears solar energy policy Officials stated that the initiative was taken to support the families of security personnel who sacrificed their lives while serving. In addition to the appointment of a slain police officer to the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police, the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also cleared the state’s solar energy policy and enhanced support for retired journalists, as per the TOI report. The cabinet confirmed that the state solar energy policy will remain active till 2030 or until the government come up with a new policy. Additionally, solar energy projects will receive priority industry status under the new policy. A government official told India Express, “Under the solar energy policy, various investment incentives, grants, exemptions and concessions are provided for the solar power generation plants to be set up in the state. In particular, there is a provision for exemption from payment of electricity duty on the plant’s own consumption (auxiliary consumption) and captive consumption within the state by every solar energy power generation project. Apart from this, solar energy projects set up under the Solar Energy Policy 2017-27 will be eligible for industrial investment incentives announced for core sector industries (except steel) under the Industrial Development Policy 2024-30.”

In addition to the appointment of a slain police officer to the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police, the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also cleared the state’s solar energy policy and enhanced support for retired journalists.

Two months after Maoists killed her ASP husband, Chhattisgarh woman appointed DySP

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Asked not to smoke at petrol pump, youth sets bike & fuel nozzle ablaze in Chhattisgarh's Raipur: VIDEO

Maoists offer to suspend armed struggle, demand govt to declare 'ceasefire'

After Maoists killed her ASP husband, Chhattisgarh woman appointed DySP