An Army soldier was allegedly assaulted by toll plaza employees at the Bhuni toll plaza in Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. According to the reports, police have arrested six people in connection with the incident. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has fined the toll operator Rs 20 lakh and initiated proceedings to cancel its license.
The soldier, identified as Kapil from Gotka village, is posted in Srinagar. He was returning from leave when the altercation occurred. According to officials, Kapil asked the toll staff to clear the way after being caught in a long queue. The argument escalated, and he was beaten.
CCTV footage led the family to file a complaint. Police said efforts are underway to identify and arrest others involved.
NHAI called the incident a "grave breach of contract" and said it condemned the behaviour. The authority said it is committed to safe and seamless travel on national highways.
The Indian Army’s Central Command condemned the assault in a statement on X. It said an FIR was filed under attempt to murder, unlawful assembly, and robbery provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The Army added that it had lodged a protest with NHAI and would pursue justice.