During a dispute at a roadside hotel (dhaba) in the Indian state of Punjab, a mob beat up an army major and 16 soldiers under him.
Major Sachin Singh Kuntal of Ladakh Scouts was returning with his men after winning the Snow Marathon in Lahaul when they dined at a dhaba on Manali Ropar Road. This dhaba is located near Bharatgarh town of Ropar district.
After the meal, when the Major and his men wanted to pay the food bill through UPI (online system), the dhaba owner insisted on paying in cash. On this, there was an uproar in Tutu and when the matter escalated, around 35 people attacked the soldiers.
Major Sachin Singh Kuntal sustained injuries on his hand and head in the attack by people armed with sticks and iron rods and was rendered unconscious.
The police arrested 4 people including the owner and manager of the dhaba. The search for the other attackers is on.