An Army soldier heading back to duty after leave was allegedly beaten by toll plaza staff in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district, leading to swift arrests, heavy penalties, and sharp condemnation from the Indian Army.
The incident took place on Sunday evening at the Bhuni toll plaza in Sarurpur, when Kapil, a jawan from Gotka village posted in Srinagar, was on his way to Delhi airport. His vehicle was stuck in a long traffic jam. When he asked staff to clear the way, an argument broke out that quickly escalated into violence. CCTV footage showed toll employees and a group of local youths allegedly tying him and his companions to a pole before assaulting them.
Police said six accused , identified as Sachin, Vijay, Anuj, Ankit, Suresh Rana, and Ankit Sharma , were arrested after the soldier’s family lodged a complaint. An FIR was registered under attempt to murder, unlawful assembly, and robbery charges.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) acted against the toll operator, M/s Dharam Singh, imposing a ₹20 lakh penalty, beginning contract termination proceedings, and blacklisting the agency from future bids. “NHAI strongly condemns such behaviour by toll plaza staff and is committed to ensuring safe and secure travel,” the authority said.
The Indian Army’s Central Command issued a stern response, posting on X: “The Army strongly condemns such incident against a serving soldier. The highest authorities of Uttar Pradesh Police have been approached to bring the guilty to book.” It added that the case would be pursued to its “logical conclusion.”
The attack sparked public outrage and protests at the toll plaza on Monday. Locals gathered in large numbers, raised slogans, and allowed vehicles to pass without paying toll. Former BJP MLA Thakur Sangeet Som also joined the demonstrators, demanding the immediate cancellation of the operator’s licence.
Superintendent of Police (Rural) Rakesh Kumar Mishra confirmed additional police units were deployed to prevent escalation. He assured strict action against all those involved.
