Army Major, soldiers returning from snow marathon, attacked by dhaba workers in Punjab

PTC News Desk: An alarming incident unfolded on the Manali-Ropar road in Punjab, where an Army Major and 16 soldiers fell victim to a violent assault at a roadside eatery, or "dhaba." Following the altercation, police swiftly apprehended four individuals, including the dhaba's owner and manager, while others involved in the attack remain under investigation.

The troubling event transpired on Monday near Bharatgarh, as Major Sachin Singh Kuntal of the Ladakh Scouts and his troop were returning from Manali, Himachal Pradesh, having recently emerged victorious in the Snow Marathon held in Lahaul. According to the filed FIR, the confrontation erupted over a dispute concerning the payment method for their meal.

Allegedly, the soldiers' attempt to settle the bill via UPI was met with resistance from the dhaba owner, who insisted on cash payment to evade taxes. Despite eventually settling the bill online, tension persisted, leading to a violent outburst from a group of approximately 30-35 individuals associated with the eatery. The soldiers were subjected to physical assault, enduring blows from fists, sticks, and iron rods. Major Kuntal sustained injuries to his hands and head, rendering him unconscious as the attackers fled the scene.

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The FIR, lodged in the early hours of Tuesday, outlined the harrowing sequence of events that unfolded the previous evening. As Major Sachin Singh Kuntal and his Ladakh Scouts convoy made their way back from Palchan near Manali, they halted at the Alpine dhaba near Bharatgarh in Ropar district for a meal around 9:15 pm. It was here that the altercation regarding payment method ensued, ultimately culminating in a brutal assault on the soldiers by the dhaba staff and associated individuals.

In the aftermath of the attack, Major Kuntal was swiftly transported to Civil Hospital Ropar for medical attention, with his fellow soldiers accompanying him in their hired tempo traveller. Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities launched an investigation, resulting in the arrest of several suspects linked to the violent incident.

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(Inputs from agencies)

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