Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 20: Police have detained eight people in connection with the death of a Delhi Metro security guard following a violent altercation at Delhi's Shahdara railway station on Saturday morning.
The accused were apprehended at Muzaffarnagar railway station a few hours after the incident and are currently being questioned to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal assault.
The victim, identified as 32-year-old Pankaj Dhama, was employed as a security guard with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
According to preliminary investigations, the incident occurred on Platform No. 3 at Shahdara railway station around 6 a.m. while passengers were attempting to board the Yoga Express.
Police said a dispute broke out among passengers trying to enter the crowded train, which quickly escalated from a verbal argument into a physical confrontation.
Investigators believe Dhama was attacked by a group of seven to eight co-passengers and was repeatedly punched and kicked during the altercation. He subsequently collapsed on the platform, and his condition deteriorated rapidly.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assault unfolded in full public view as the argument turned violent.
Family members of the deceased have alleged that railway authorities failed to provide immediate medical assistance, resulting in a critical delay in transporting him to a hospital.
According to relatives, fellow passengers, rather than officials, helped move Dhama for treatment.
“Had he been taken to the hospital earlier, his life could have been saved,” a family member said.
Dhama is survived by his wife, a daughter and a son.
Police are continuing their investigation and questioning the detained individuals to establish the exact sequence of events and identify the motive behind the altercation.
Meanwhile, a video circulating on social media appears to show a group of people surrounding and attacking a man on a railway platform while a train is stationed nearby. Authorities believe the footage was recorded by a bystander present during the incident and are examining it as part of the investigation.
Police have not yet released further details regarding the identities of the accused or whether additional arrests may follow.