Two men have been stabbed to death and a third critically injured after an argument over slow service at a roadside restaurant in northern India, police say. The violent confrontation broke out on the evening of January 30 at a popular local eatery in the city of Ghaziabad in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, after customers became frustrated with what they said was a delay in receiving their food. 

The argument, which reportedly began over a delayed order, quickly escalated, and staff at the restaurant allegedly pulled knives and attacked three men who had been dining there. Two of the victims, identified as Shripal and Satyam, later died of their injuries in hospital. A third friend, Anurag, is said to be in a serious but stable condition.

Police say one of the customers slapped a staff member for serving their roti late. Following the dispute, other workers, including two minors, joined the assault against the customers. Authorities have now arrested the restaurant’s owner and four others, including two minors, and recovered weapons believed to have been used in the killings.

During patrolling, police found the two men involved in the double murder roaming in the area. When the officers tried to stop them, they opened fire and wanted to flee, but were eventually shot in their legs and admitted to a hospital nearby, Times of India reported. The two captured men then informed the police about the other two minors involved in the incident. 

Ghaziabad police have registered multiple charges against those involved, including murder and rioting with deadly weapons.

The deadly incident took place at a dhaba – a type of roadside restaurant common in India that traditionally serves simple, hearty local cuisine. Dhabas are often found along highways or busy urban roads and are popular with travellers and local workers alike for affordable meals.