A Nigerian national has died after being detained and questioned by Railway Protection Force officials at Surat Railway Station in India.

The Government Railway Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances of his death. The man, whose identity was not released, was travelling from Mumbai to Delhi on the Golden Temple Express when he was detained at Surat following an alleged altercation with fellow passengers. A passenger had reported a fight near one of the train’s gates. Police sources said the Nigerian allegedly sprayed a fire extinguisher at co-passengers during the incident while the train was travelling between Vapi and Surat stations. He was taken to the RPF office for questioning, where he reportedly collapsed. He was rushed to the Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. The Surat GRP registered a case of accidental death, and a post-mortem examination was conducted on August 18. Western Railway Superintendent of Police Abhay Soni said preliminary findings indicated the deceased lived in Vasai, Mumbai, and had previously been arrested twice in connection with cocaine trafficking cases. The purpose of his trip to Delhi remains under investigation, and statements are being taken from the officers involved.