A 22-year-old man has been arrested in Greater Noida after allegedly fleeing a petrol pump without paying for fuel and dragging a motorcycle for several kilometres with his Mahindra Thar SUV in the Dhoom Manikpur area. The incident took place on 27 February when petrol pump staff chased the vehicle after the driver reportedly sped away without clearing his dues.
During the pursuit, the SUV allegedly rammed into the motorcycle, causing the rider to fall and sustain injuries. The bike became lodged underneath the Thar and was dragged for nearly 5 to 10 kilometres, catching fire on the way, before police intercepted the vehicle near Luharli Toll Plaza.
The accused, identified as Harsh from Bulandshahr, is in custody, the SUV has been seized, and police have launched a detailed investigation while the injured employee is said to be stable.
High-Speed Pursuit Turns Dangerous on Greater Noida Roads
According to police officials, the sequence of events began at a petrol pump in Greater Noida’s Dhoom Manikpur locality under Badalpur police station limits. The accused allegedly filled diesel in his SUV and then drove off without making payment.
Petrol pump staff members, suspecting that the driver had no intention of paying, attempted to stop him. When he continued to speed away, one of the employees, identified in reports as Kuldeep Sharma, chased the Thar on a motorcycle in an effort to recover the payment or alert authorities.
What followed was a dramatic and deeply alarming chase along busy stretches connecting GT Road and National Highway 91. During the pursuit, the Thar allegedly rammed into the motorcycle. The rider fell and suffered injuries, but the motorcycle became stuck underneath the SUV. Instead of stopping after the collision, the driver allegedly continued to drive with the bike wedged beneath the vehicle.
Eyewitnesses reported that sparks flew from beneath the SUV as the motorcycle scraped against the road surface. Within minutes, the friction reportedly caused the motorcycle to catch fire. Videos and CCTV footage circulating online show flames emerging from beneath the moving SUV as it continued down the road, drawing shock and panic from bystanders. Several locals were seen attempting to alert the driver by shouting and gesturing, but the vehicle did not stop.
Police later confirmed that the motorcycle was dragged for approximately 5 to 10 kilometres before officers intercepted the SUV near the Luharli Toll Plaza. Teams from Badalpur, Dadri Kot and Jarcha police stations coordinated efforts to track and stop the vehicle. The accused was taken into custody at the scene, and the Mahindra Thar was seized as evidence.
Investigation Underway, Injured Employee Stable
Authorities have identified the accused as Harsh, a 22-year-old resident of Bulandshahr district in Uttar Pradesh. According to statements issued by police officials, a case has been registered under relevant sections pertaining to rash and negligent driving, causing injury, and evading payment. Additional charges may be added as the investigation progresses.
Police have begun examining CCTV footage from the petrol pump, surrounding roads, and toll plazas to piece together a clear timeline of events. Statements from the injured petrol pump employee, other staff members, eyewitnesses, and responding officers are being recorded to ensure a comprehensive probe.
Officials confirmed that the injured employee sustained injuries in the collision but is currently stable and receiving medical treatment. The quick coordination between multiple police stations was credited for preventing further damage or harm. Had the vehicle not been intercepted in time, authorities suggested the incident could have resulted in more serious consequences for commuters and pedestrians.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many users expressing shock at the visual footage of the burning motorcycle being dragged along a public road. Concerns have also been raised about road safety, accountability, and the risks faced by frontline workers such as petrol pump employees who attempt to confront or stop offenders.
Police have urged the public not to engage in dangerous pursuits and instead to inform law enforcement immediately in such situations. Officials emphasised that while recovering losses is understandable, personal safety must remain the top priority.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This disturbing incident is not just a story of alleged fuel theft it is a stark reminder of how quickly irresponsible actions can spiral into life-threatening situations. What appears to have begun as a refusal to pay for fuel escalated into a dangerous chase, serious injuries, property damage, and widespread panic on public roads. Such behaviour reflects a troubling disregard for human life and public safety.
At the same time, the episode also raises questions about how everyday workers, often with limited authority and protection, find themselves forced into risky situations while trying to safeguard their livelihoods. Petrol pump employees and other service workers should not have to endanger themselves to recover dues. Systems and safeguards must be strengthened to protect both workers and the wider public.
