Army major, soldiers beaten up by dhaba workers in Punjab

An Army Major and 16 soldiers were allegedly attacked and beaten with rods by the owner and workers on a dhaba in Punjab on Monday. The police has registered an FIR and arrested two people.

The Indian Express reported that Major Sachin Kuntal and soldiers from the Ladakh Scouts were returning from Himachal after winning a snow marathon when they stopped at the dhaba for dinner.

According to the FIR, an argument started between the army men and the dhaba owner over the mode of payment. While the soldiers wanted to pay via UPI, the owner insisted on cash.

The Indian Express reported that the bill was ultimately paid online but the brawl continued. The police said that a group of 30-35 people thrashed the army men with sticks and rods.

The Major fell unconscious and suffered injuries to his arms and head. His soldiers then took him to the hospital.

The case has been regisered under sections of the Indian Penal Code relating to attempt to murder, voluntarily causing hurt, rioting and others.