Bajali fuel station
A Scorpio vehicle was reportedly filled with petrol instead of diesel, causing it to break down within minutes of refuelling in the Betkuchi area of Patacharkuchi in Bajali district.

Bajali: A recent incident in Assam’s Bajali district has raised concerns about negligence and lack of proper training at certain local fuel stations.

A Scorpio vehicle was reportedly filled with petrol instead of diesel, causing it to break down within minutes of refuelling in the Betkuchi area of Patacharkuchi in Bajali district.

According to reports, the vehicle bearing registration number AS 01 ES 8005 became non-functional soon after leaving the station.

The incident sparked public outrage, with many questioning the competence and working conditions of employees handling such a sensitive responsibility.

Eyewitnesses claimed that the refuelling was carried out by an inexperienced worker who lacked basic technical knowledge about vehicles. 

The staff member involved reportedly admitted his mistake and said, โ€œI donโ€™t have any knowledge about cars. The owner gives me only Rs 7,000 per month. Earlier, I used to work as a jungle cleaner.โ€

The Scorpioโ€™s driver, visibly frustrated, held the management responsible rather than the worker, stating, โ€œItโ€™s not the boyโ€™s fault โ€” itโ€™s the ownerโ€™s. Who appoints inexperienced people in such responsible jobs for such low pay?โ€

Although the staff later corrected the mistake, the incident has prompted discussion on training, supervision, and accountability at fuel stations.

Allowing personnel without the required qualifications to handle these operations may pose risks to vehicles and consumers.

Sasanka Talukdar is Northeast Now Correspondent in Pathsala. He can be reached at: [email protected]