6 held for assault on Army jawan at Meerut toll plaza

An Army jawan on his way to rejoin duty was allegedly assaulted by toll plaza employees in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district, officials said on Monday. Six people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The assault took place on Sunday at the Bhuni toll plaza in the Sarurpur area, when Kapil, a soldier from Gotka village, was returning to duty after leave.

His car was caught in a long queue at the toll plaza and he reportedly urged staff to clear vehicles more swiftly. This led to an altercation, during which toll employees allegedly thrashed him, police said.

A case was registered on the complaint of the soldier’s family. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Rakesh Kumar Mishra said six accused were identified on the basis of CCTV footage and arrested, while efforts are on to trace others involved.

Meanwhile, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) imposed a fine of Rs 20 lakh on the toll plaza agency for “misbehaviour with a soldier” and has initiated proceedings to terminate and debar the firm from future contracts.

“Taking strict action on the incident of misbehaviour with Army personnel by toll staff deployed at Bhuni toll plaza on the Meerut–Karnal section of NH-709A on August 17, where a verbal altercation escalated into a fight, NHAI has imposed a penalty of Rs 20 lakh on the toll collecting agency, M/s Dharam Singh,” a statement said.

NHAI said it strongly condemned such behaviour and reiterated its commitment to ensuring safe and seamless travel on National Highways.