In a brazen act of workplace violence that has sent shockwaves through Uttar Pradesh’s industrial sector, two senior officials at the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Sejni village were shot dead on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The victims, Sudhir Kumar Gupta (58), a General Manager just weeks away from retirement, and Harshit Mishra (34), an Assistant Manager, were gunned down inside the administrative block by a blacklisted local vendor.
Following the killings, the administration suspended Inspector Ajay Kumar and Sub-Inspector Dharmendra Kumar for “dereliction of duty” after revelations emerged that the victims had repeatedly sought police protection from the assailant.
The Execution: A Security Collapse
The suspect, identified as Ajay Pratap Singh (alias Ramu), a local strongman and parali (stubble) supplier, orchestrated the attack around 1:30 PM.
- Breaching the Gate: Singh reportedly intercepted an HPCL staff vehicle outside the plant, confiscated the occupants’ phones, and forced the driver to enter the premises. Because it was an official vehicle, security allowed it through without inspection.
- The Confrontation: Singh entered a meeting where Gupta and Mishra were briefing the incoming DGM. After a verbal altercation, Singh drew a country-made pistol.
- The Killings: When Mishra attempted to intervene and protect his senior, Singh shot him twice. He then chased Gupta into the building and shot him twice as well. Both officials died before reaching the hospital.
[Image: A layout of the HPCL Budaun Plant administrative block showing the entry path used by the assailant.]
Timeline of Negligence
The families of the deceased have alleged a systemic failure by the Budaun police to act on clear, documented threats.
| Date | Incident/Action |
| May 2025 | Ajay Singh blacklisted by HPCL for indecent behavior and supply issues. |
| Jan 14, 2026 | Singh allegedly chases Gupta’s car for 5 km, issuing death threats. |
| Feb 4, 2026 | An FIR is finally registered against Singh after initial police refusal. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | The Assassination: Singh kills both officials and surrenders at the police station. |
| Mar 13, 2026 | Accused injured in a “police encounter” while allegedly trying to escape during a weapon recovery operation. |
The “Inaction” Allegations
The family of Harshit Mishra has been vocal about the lack of state support. His father, Sunil Mishra, claimed that despite approaching the District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP), no security was provided.
- Political Patronage: The family alleges that Singh enjoyed the protection of local political figures, which emboldened him to “roam freely” despite an active FIR.
- Voluntary Retirement: In a tragic irony, Sudhir Gupta had applied for voluntary retirement due to the stress of these threats; his last day was scheduled for March 31, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Institutional Failure: High-level officials were left vulnerable despite filing formal complaints about a specific, named individual.
- Security Protocol Gap: The bypass of security via an “official” vehicle highlights a massive vulnerability in industrial plant safety.
- Administrative Fall-out: The suspension of the SHO and Sub-Inspector is seen as a reactive move to quell public and political outrage over the breakdown of law and order.
Sources
- The Indian Express: HPCL official was weeks away from retirement when killed, March 13, 2026.
- Press Trust of India (PTI): Budaun HPCL Killings: 2 Police Officers Suspended, March 13, 2026.
- Times of India: Sacked vendor storms HPCL plant, kills two, March 13, 2026.
Leave a Reply