Patna: A dispute over seating on a long-distance train in Bihar escalated into violence, leaving several kabaddi players injured and causing panic among passengers, police said.
The incident took place on the 13288 Down South Bihar Express, which was travelling from Ara to Durg. Around 10 kabaddi players from Ara were on board, heading to Lakhisarai to participate in a match, when a group of youths boarded the same coach at Patna Junction.
According to railway sources, an argument broke out in the S-1 sleeper coach shortly after the train departed from Patna, reportedly over seat allocation. The verbal dispute quickly turned violent, with four or five youths allegedly assaulting the players using belts and fists.
Witnesses said the coach descended into chaos as the attackers beat the players for several minutes. Other passengers attempted to intervene but were unable to stop the assault.
Four to five players sustained injuries before escort personnel on the train reached the coach following complaints from passengers. On spotting the security staff, the attackers allegedly jumped off the moving train near Mokama and fled. One suspect was detained by the escort party, police said.
Railway police said an investigation was under way and statements from the injured players were being recorded.
