August 18, 2025

NEW DELHI/MEERUT: The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has taken a strong stand! On Monday, it slapped a massive ₹20 lakh penalty on the toll collection company managing the Bhuni Toll Plaza. Why? Because their staff tied up and brutally beat an Indian Army jawan on August 17 — a shocking act that has caught everyone's attention. The young soldier, 26-year-old Kapil Singh from the Rajput Regiment, was caught in a nightmare. A video that went viral showed him tied to a pole and mercilessly kicked, punched, and beaten with sticks by several toll plaza employees. This cruel attack happened at the Meerut-Karnal stretch of NH-709A. NHAI spoke out strongly against this violence, saying, “#NHAI strongly condemns such behaviour by the toll plaza staff and is committed to ensuring safe and seamless travel on National Highways.” They didn’t waste time — apart from the hefty ₹20 lakh fine, NHAI began the process of firing and banning the toll agency, known as M/s Dharam Singh, from any future toll plaza work. The Meerut police also acted swiftly. Six toll plaza workers involved in the assault have been arrested, said senior superintendent of police Vipin Tanda. The police revealed the unfortunate trigger for the attack: Kapil Singh had asked the staff to let him pass quickly because he needed to catch a flight to rejoin his duty in Srinagar. The locals were furious! Villagers near the Bhuni toll plaza protested angrily and even damaged the toll booth in anger. However, Meerut's rural superintendent of police, Rakesh Kumar Mishra, confirmed, “Enraged by yesterday’s attack on (an) army man, a group of villagers staged a protest at the toll plaza. The situation has been brought under control. Regular movement of traffic continues.” This incident shocked the nation and raised questions about the conduct of toll employees. With NHAI’s strict punishment and police arrests, the message is clear: such behavior will not be tolerated. Safe and respectful travel on India’s highways is a top priority!

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Tags: Nhai, Bhuni toll plaza, Army jawan assault, Meerut, Toll staff penalty, Kapil singh,