A shocking incident took place on the night of August 17 at Bhuni Toll Plaza on the Meerut-Karnal National Highway (NH-709A), where toll employees ruthlessly beat up Indian Army soldier Kapil Singh and his brother Shivam. The incident prompted the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to take strict action, slapping a hefty fine of $30,000 on the toll collection agency, Messrs. Dharam Singh & Company. The authority has also begun proceedings to terminate the company's contract and bar them from future toll plaza biddings.
Soldier Assaulted by Toll Staff
Kapil Singh, a soldier from Gotka village in Meerut, was on his way to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi with his cousin Shivam on the night of August 17. He was scheduled to join his duty in Srinagar. Due to long queues and time constraints at the Bhuni Toll Plaza, Kapil requested the toll staff to expedite their passage. This led to a dispute, and the staff allegedly began beating the soldier. It's alleged that they tied him to a post and beat him with sticks, with one employee even attempting to pick up a brick.
Read More: The soldier who was assaulted at Meerut Toll Plaza was a part of Operation Sindoor and was returning to duty in Srinagar after his leave.
Kapil's Role in Operation Sindoor
During the incident, Kapil's brother Shivam tried to intervene but was also assaulted. Kapil Singh had participated in the Indian Army's Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. He was on leave and was due to join his duty on August 18, hence their rush to catch a flight from IGI Airport in Delhi to Srinagar. The incident's video went viral on social media, sparking public outrage.
Following the incident, a crowd of local villagers gathered at the toll plaza, expressing their protest against the toll staff's actions through vandalism. This chaos escalated tensions in the area. Meerut police took swift action, filing an FIR and arresting some suspects. They are also searching for other suspects based on CCTV footage.
Toll Agency Fined $30,000
The NHAI took immediate action upon learning about the incident and imposed a significant fine of $30,000 on the toll collection agency. In a statement, the NHAI criticized the company for failing to maintain discipline among its staff and order at the toll plaza, which is a major breach of contract. The NHAI stated, 'We condemn such behavior and are committed to ensuring safe and seamless travel for all highway users.'
Read More: Action taken against the main accused Amit Mukhia and 11 others in the case of assaulting a female employee at Greater Noida's Luharli Toll Plaza.
The condition of soldier Kapil Singh and his brother Shivam is stable. This incident raises questions about respect for soldiers and security arrangements at toll plazas. Social media is abuzz with criticism of the staff's hooliganism and the alleged inaction of local police. Many users have linked this incident to national security, calling for strict action against the culprits. Bhuni Toll Plaza is located near Bhuni village, Meerut district, on the Meerut-Karnal National Highway (NH-709A).
