Two truck drivers held after clash at Sanwara toll plaza

Two truck drivers were arrested for assaulting toll plaza staff on the Parwanoo-Dharampur stretch of National Highway-5 following a heated argument over toll charges. The incident took place at the Sanwara-based toll plaza during the intervening night of July 13-14.

According to a complaint lodged by toll employee Amit Singh at the Dharampur police station, trouble began when two trucks (HP-64C-9024 and HP-25C-2786) arrived at the toll gate and were asked to pay the fee. One of the drivers refused, sparking an argument. When employee Sonu tried to calm the situation, another driver physically assaulted him. Soon after, four to five more truckers joined in, resulting in a violent scuffle.

The drivers allegedly blocked the toll plaza and roughed up the staff, leaving several employees injured. The injured were rushed to the Community Health Centre in Dharampur for medical care.

The police registered an FIR under sections 332(c), 115(2), 191(2), and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of house trespass, rioting, causing hurt and unlawful assembly. Acting promptly, the police arrested two of the accused—Aman Thakur of Manalag village (Solan) and Surya Prakash of Kanour Nalla (Shimla). Their trucks have been impounded and further investigation is ongoing.

The police probe indicated that the clash stemmed from allegations of overcharging, with truckers claiming even empty trucks were being unfairly fined for overloading.

This is not an isolated incident. Sanwara toll plaza has witnessed several past confrontations involving truckers and tourists over toll disputes. Authorities are being urged to intervene to prevent further escalation.