'Revolver Rani': UP Woman Apologises After Pointing Gun At Pump Worker, Says 'Father Was Mistreated'

Last Updated:June 19, 2025, 17:15 IST

Ariba Khan, daughter of former SP leader Ehsan Khan, pointed a licenced revolver at a petrol pump worker during a heated argument. The video of the incident went viral.

Ariba Khan seen pointing a gun at a petrol pump worker.

As the world celebrated Father’s Day with warm gestures and heartfelt tributes, an unexpected incident at a CNG pump in Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh, captured widespread attention. Ariba Khan, daughter of former Samajwadi Party state secretary Ehsan Khan, pointed a licenced revolver at a petrol pump worker during a heated argument. The video of this altercation quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage, debate, and a criminal investigation.

Ariba, now famously dubbed ‘UP’s Revolver Rani’, is under legal scrutiny due to the incident’s widespread attention. Speaking to News18, Ariba admitted her actions and expressed remorse: “While people across the country were celebrating Father’s Day, my father was being mistreated. I got emotional and picked up a revolver for the first time to scare them. I couldn’t sleep all night. The discussions on social media have caused me immense mental stress. I agree I should not have pointed a revolver at the pump worker."

The Incident

The confrontation occurred around 7 PM on Sunday at a Hindustan Petroleum CNG pump on Sandi Road in Bilgram, Hardoi. Ehsan Khan, 60, a local businessman and former SP leader, was travelling with his wife Husn Bano and daughter Ariba to Kanpur to visit relatives. They stopped to refill CNG, with Ehsan still seated inside the vehicle.

According to Ehsan, the pump staffer requested that he step out of the car before refuelling. Ehsan claimed he complied but objected to the manner in which the staff spoke. As per Ehsan’s account, another employee arrived, and the situation escalated. One of them allegedly shoved him. Seeing this from a distance, Ariba rushed back to the car, grabbed her father’s licenced revolver, and returned to the scene.

What followed was captured on camera—Ariba stormed back, aimed the weapon directly at the chest of a pump worker identified as Rajneesh, and reportedly threatened, “I’ll shoot you so many times your family won’t be able to recognise you."

The incident caused panic among onlookers. People were visibly shaken as the young woman pointed a gun in broad daylight. Another customer reportedly intervened and managed to defuse the situation, after which the family quickly left the premises.

The Aftermath

The Hardoi police registered a case against Ariba, her father Ehsan Khan, and her mother Husn Bano based on a written complaint filed by the petrol pump employee. The revolver, licenced in Ehsan’s name, has been seized by police.

Station House Officer (SHO) Rakesh Kumar confirmed that investigations are ongoing. “An FIR has been registered on the complaint of the petrol pump salesman. The girl’s family has not submitted any complaint yet. Action will be taken based on evidence gathered during the investigation," he said.

Ehsan Khan, meanwhile, posted a video defending his daughter’s actions, stating she reacted only to protect him. “The staff at the pump were not wearing uniforms. I was wearing a seatbelt and agreed to step out. But the employee became aggressive. Another man came and pushed me. Seeing this, my daughter panicked and brought out the licenced revolver in my defence," he said. Ehsan urged that CCTV footage from the petrol pump would reveal the truth and support their claims.

Ariba’s Version

In an exclusive conversation with News18, Ariba detailed her experience. “This was the first time I held a revolver. I’ve never seen anyone behave so rudely with my father before. He is elderly, and there were women present too. The staff didn’t care. I feared my father wouldn’t be able to handle it alone, especially since they seemed drunk and aggressive," she said.

She added, “I understand that I overreacted. I apologise to the government and request a fair investigation. The entire experience has affected my mental health and academic life. I haven’t been able to sleep properly, and it’s impacted my studies and future."

Ariba also alleged that some of the petrol pump employees appeared to be habitual troublemakers. “They looked like local goons. Only one or two were in proper uniform. I appeal for strict action against such people who misuse their position to intimidate customers," she said.

Political Twist

The incident took a political turn on Tuesday night when Hardoi’s Congress district president Vikram Pandey visited Ariba’s residence. He presented her with a framed picture of Rani Lakshmi Bai and lauded her actions. “She is the embodiment of Priyanka Gandhi’s slogan ‘Ladki hoon, lad sakti hoon’ (I am a girl, I can fight). Girls should not hesitate to stand up for their dignity. If required, we will raise this matter in Parliament," he said.

This endorsement sparked further political chatter, drawing mixed reactions from netizens and political observers, many of whom questioned the glorification of what could be a criminal offence.

Legal and Social Implications

Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements to determine the sequence of events and whether Ariba’s actions were justified or constitute a punishable offence.

Meanwhile, the incident has ignited a debate on social media around gun ownership, women’s safety, misuse of political clout, and the extent one can go under the claim of “self-defence."

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