Ghaziabad Dhaba Owner Arrested in Connection with Fatal Clash Over Service Delay
In a tragic incident that has shocked the local community, the owner of a popular dhaba in Ghaziabad's Khoda area has been arrested by police following a violent altercation that resulted in two fatalities and one serious injury. The 42-year-old proprietor, identified as Dharmendra Sharma from Etah, was taken into custody on Sunday as he attempted to flee the city.
Violent Confrontation Erupts Over Delayed Service
The unfortunate events unfolded on Friday night around 10pm at Vaishnav Pure Vegetarian Restaurant, located on Ambedkar Road in Khoda colony's Ajanta Park area. According to police reports, three friends—Shri Pal, Satyam Kumar, and Anurag Kumar—visited the establishment for dinner. While waiting for their order, the trio reportedly consumed alcohol in an e-rickshaw parked outside the premises.
Tensions escalated when an argument broke out between the friends and dhaba staff regarding perceived delays in service. Police investigations reveal that the disagreement initially involved one of the workers named Nagesh. The situation deteriorated rapidly when, according to statements, one of the customers allegedly slapped Nagesh during the heated exchange.
Brutal Attack Leaves Two Dead
Following the initial confrontation, the three friends retreated to a nearby lane. However, the situation took a deadly turn when Dharmendra Sharma, Nagesh, and other staff members became agitated and decided to retaliate. Armed with sticks and knives, the group launched a vicious attack on the unsuspecting friends.
The assault was so severe that all three victims sustained critical injuries. They were immediately rushed to a hospital in Delhi for emergency medical treatment. Tragically, despite medical efforts, both Satyam Kumar and Shri Pal succumbed to their injuries and were declared dead at the hospital. Anurag Kumar remains hospitalized and continues to receive treatment for his wounds.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
The case came to light when Gopal Singh, brother of deceased Shri Pal, filed a formal complaint with authorities. Khoda police station subsequently registered a First Information Report (FIR) against multiple individuals under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The charges include:
- Section 103 (Murder)
- Section 109 (Attempt to Murder)
- Section 191(2) (Rioting)
- Section 191(3) (Rioting Armed with Deadly Weapon)
- Section 190 (Every Member of Unlawful Assembly Guilty of Offence Committed in Prosecution of Common Object)
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Trans-Hindon) Nimish Patil confirmed that while the accused initially fled the scene when crowds gathered, Dharmendra Sharma was apprehended on Sunday during his attempted escape from the city. Police have formed special teams to track down and arrest the remaining suspects involved in this horrific incident.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
This violent episode has raised serious concerns about public safety and restaurant management practices in the area. The dhaba, previously known as a local eatery, has become the center of a criminal investigation that highlights how minor disputes can escalate into fatal confrontations.
Authorities continue to investigate the precise sequence of events and the roles played by each individual involved. The police have emphasized their commitment to ensuring all perpetrators face justice for their actions in this tragic case that has left two families grieving and one individual fighting for his life.
