Two arrested in Dimapur for assaulting street food vendor and vandalizing food cart; police seize vehicle, investigation ongoing.
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DIMAPUR — Dimapur Police on Saturday apprehended four individuals in connection with an assault on a street food vendor and vandalism of a food cart at Burma Camp, arresting two of them after confirming their involvement.
The vehicle allegedly used in the crime, a black Mahindra Thar, has also been seized. A case has been registered at Dimapur East Police Station, and investigations are ongoing, police said in a statement.
According to police, the incident occurred on the night of October 17 around 9–9.30 pm.
The viral incident originated from a seemingly trivial dispute over a half plate of chow (noodles) costing INR 30, where the customer accused the vendor of serving insufficient chicken meat.
Acting on a complaint lodged by Helen Yeptho, the property owner, police moved swiftly to apprehend the suspects.
The street food vendor, who requested anonymity, recounted that two men purchased chow and, while eating, complained about the meat portion.
Despite his attempts to add more meat, they allegedly began assaulting him. Fearing for his safety, he fled the scene.
Helen Yeptho told media that she intervened when she arrived at the stall. She explained that the footpath stall is not a restaurant and serves affordable meals for all.
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“When the accused questioned me for supporting non-locals, I told them that people should stand for what is right and not discriminate,” she said.
She alleged that the men were under the influence of alcohol, pelted stones, and even shouted threats to bring petrol to burn down the stall. The accused later approached her seeking a compromise, which she refused, stressing the seriousness of the incident.
Residents and witnesses corroborated the violence. G Kami, the GB of Ragailong colony, said that the group arrived in the vehicle, purchased chow, then assaulted the vendor, rammed the food cart with the vehicle, and hurled stones.
He added that such behaviour is unacceptable and threatens the livelihood of street food vendors.
Kisheto Katty, General Secretary of the Burma Camp Market Committee, said that the incident arose over a trivial dispute and should not have escalated to violence.
He confirmed that an FIR was filed and said the committee is monitoring the case closely, urging the culprits to be punished in accordance with the law.
According to the Dy. Commissioner of Police (Crime)/PRO, Dimapur, four individuals were apprehended on October 18 for interrogation, and two were arrested for their role in the assault and vandalism.
The vehicle used in the attack has been seized as evidence. Police informed that investigations are continuing to identify and take action against any others involved.