A confrontation between railway pantry staff and a group of unauthorised vendors aboard a Bengaluru-Delhi train turned violent on Monday evening, leaving two pantry workers injured after they were allegedly attacked with knives.
The incident took place on the Yeshwantpur-Hazrat Nizamuddin Sampark Kranti Express shortly after it crossed Haveri at around 7 pm.
Dispute escalates into violence
According to a complaint filed with the Government Railway Police (GRP), pantry worker Dhirendra Singh, 40, objected to an unauthorised vendor selling masala peanuts inside an air-conditioned coach of the train.
The situation quickly escalated when several others, believed to be associated with the vendor, allegedly intervened. As pantry manager Jitendra Singh Tomar arrived at the scene, the confrontation turned violent.
The accused reportedly pulled out sharp knives and attempted to attack the pantry staff. Dhirendra narrowly escaped a serious injury but suffered a cut on his neck. Another pantry worker, Lokendra, sustained a stab wound near his left shoulder and required medical attention due to heavy bleeding.
Staff members assaulted
Speaking about the incident, Jitendra alleged that the group attacked multiple members of the pantry team.
Two staff members suffered stab injuries, while others were physically assaulted. He further claimed that some goods belonging to the pantry staff were also snatched during the attack.
When the train halted at Karjagi station for a crossing, the attackers reportedly got off and fled the scene.
Police launch search operation
The GRP has registered a case against unidentified persons believed to be from the Haveri region. Investigators have launched a search to trace the accused.
Sarah Fathima, Superintendent of Police, GRP Karnataka, said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved. Staff members with minor injuries have since returned home.
Crackdown on illegal vendors
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the presence of unauthorised vendors on trains.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) recently launched a nationwide crackdown against illegal vending activities and unauthorised online operations. Earlier this month, authorities reportedly shut down 14 illegal websites linked to such activities.
In South Western Railway’s Bengaluru Division, special enforcement drives conducted in May resulted in fines of around Rs 1.5 lakh being imposed on unauthorised vendors.