Man dies after assault over seat dispute in Delhi Metro; former IAS officer and son arrested

NEW DELHI: A 48-year-old man died after being assaulted during an argument over a seat inside a Delhi Metro train. Police have arrested retired IAS officer Sanjay Pratap Singh and his son in connection with the case. The incident occurred around 5.30 pm on October 8. The deceased, Pawan Sharma, was travelling with his mother and sitting in a seat reserved for senior citizens.

The father and son allegedly picked a quarrel with Pawan after boarding the train at Mandi House Metro station. Pawan's mother, Durga Devi, later recounted the incident to a national media outlet.

Durga Devi said she was unwell and had taken the reserved seat, with her son accompanying her. According to her account, an argument broke out when the accused approached them. Pawan reportedly reminded them that the seat was reserved for senior citizens and objected to their behaviour.

The accused allegedly grabbed Pawan by the neck and assaulted him when he tried to get up. Durga Devi alleged that the former IAS officer's son held her son's neck with one hand and punched him in the chest with the other. She said the assault ultimately led to his death.

Sanjay Pratap Singh, a 1984-batch AGMUT cadre IAS officer, is the first accused in the case. He resides in Sector 44, Noida, Uttar Pradesh. His son, who is a lawyer, has also been arrested. The police are continuing their investigation.