Delhi Metro Seat Dispute Turns Fatal: 48-Year-Old Man Dies, Former IAS Officer and Son Arrested

October 12, 2026

New Delhi: A 48-year-old man died after he was allegedly assaulted during a dispute over a seat reserved for senior citizens inside a Delhi Metro train. A former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and his son have been arrested in connection with the case, police said.

The incident took place on October 8 at the Supreme Court Metro station. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the deceased, Pawan Sharma, allegedly got into an argument with the two accused, identified as Sanjay Pratap Singh and his son, Sidharth Singh.

Dispute Over Senior Citizen Seat

According to the complaint, the disagreement began over a seat reserved for senior citizens inside the Metro train. During the confrontation, Sharma was allegedly slapped and pushed, causing him to fall and sustain head injuries.

Metro staff arranged for an ambulance to take Sharma to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival, the FIR stated.

The case was registered on October 9 following a complaint filed by Sharma’s mother, Durga Sharma. Police subsequently arrested both accused after registering the case.

Former IAS Officer and Son Booked

The FIR invokes Sections 105 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section 105 deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while Section 3(5) concerns acts committed by several persons in furtherance of their common intention.

According to police sources, Sanjay Pratap Singh is a former IAS officer who was previously arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with an alleged bribery case. His son, Sidharth Singh, is a lawyer practising at the Supreme Court, the sources said.

A Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) official said both individuals involved in the incident were removed from the train after the matter came to light.

“As soon as the incident was reported, both were deboarded. The injured one was sent immediately to the hospital, whereas the other one was handed over to the police,” the official said.

Police Probe Underway

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the altercation and the events that led to Sharma’s death.

Officials have not yet provided details of the medical findings establishing the cause of death or disclosed the precise nature of the injuries he sustained. The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against the accused remain subject to the legal process.