A 48-year-old passenger has died following an alleged assault during a dispute over a seat reserved for elderly commuters at a Delhi Metro station. Police have arrested a former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and his son in connection with the incident, which took place at Supreme Court Metro Station on Thursday, 8 October.
The deceased, identified as Pawan Sharma, allegedly sustained a fatal head injury after being slapped and pushed during the confrontation. According to the police complaint, the alleged assault involved Sanjay Pratap Singh, a former IAS officer, and his son, Siddharth Singh.
The dispute reportedly began over the use of a seat reserved for elderly passengers. The disagreement escalated, and Pawan was allegedly pushed to the ground, striking his head in the fall. Metro staff subsequently arranged for an ambulance to take him to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital in Delhi, where doctors declared him dead.
The exact sequence of events leading to the confrontation and the circumstances surrounding Pawan’s death are still under investigation.
Police Register Case Following Mother’s Complaint
Police registered a case on 9 October following a complaint by Pawan’s mother, Durga Sharma. The case was filed under Sections 105 and 3(5) of India’s Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), according to police sources.
Section 105 of the BNS deals with culpable homicide, while Section 3(5) addresses criminal acts committed by several people in furtherance of a common intention. The two accused were arrested after the case was registered, police sources said.
The charges reflect the allegations being investigated by the authorities. However, the registration of a case and the arrest of the accused do not establish guilt, which must be determined through the legal process.
Former Civil Servant and Supreme Court Lawyer Among Accused
According to police sources, Sanjay Pratap Singh is a former IAS officer. He was previously arrested by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with allegations of bribery. Details about the final outcome of that earlier case were not available in the information provided.
His son, Siddharth Singh, is a lawyer practising at the Supreme Court of India. Both men are accused of being involved in the confrontation that preceded Pawan’s death.
Police are examining the circumstances in which the dispute began, the actions of those involved and the relationship between the alleged assault and the passenger’s death. Medical records, witness statements and other relevant evidence may help investigators establish the sequence of events.
Investigation Under Way
The incident has drawn attention to the risk of everyday disagreements escalating into violence in crowded public transport systems. Seats reserved for elderly passengers are intended to make travel safer and more accessible for people who may find it difficult to stand for long periods.
Disagreements over seating can arise in busy metro services, but such disputes are expected to be resolved peacefully. The death of Pawan Sharma has highlighted the potentially serious consequences when a confrontation turns physical.
Police are continuing their investigation to establish the full circumstances of the incident and determine the precise cause of death. Further details are expected to emerge as the inquiry progresses.
The allegations against Sanjay Pratap Singh and Siddharth Singh remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
