According to reports, Kapil claimed his village falls in a toll-exempted area. The staff disputed his claim, leading to a heated argument. The situation quickly escalated into violence.
An Army jawan was brutally assaulted at a toll booth in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut. A video of the incident, which went viral on social media, showed the soldier pinned to a pole and beaten by toll staff. Police have arrested four men in connection with the attack.
The soldier has been identified as Kapil Kavad of the Rajput Regiment. He was traveling to Delhi airport to return to his post in Srinagar when the assault took place.
Kapil was on leave and driving with his cousin when they got stuck at the crowded Bhuni toll booth. Worried about missing his flight, he stepped out of the car to speak to the staff.
According to reports, Kapil claimed his village falls in a toll-exempted area. The staff disputed his claim, leading to a heated argument. The situation quickly escalated into violence.
At least five toll workers were seen assaulting Kapil and his cousin in the incident's footage. A staff member used a stick to strike the soldier. Others thrashed him while throwing insults, twisting his hands behind his back, and pinning him to a pole.
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Online, the video caused a great deal of controversy, with many people calling for the guilty to face harsh punishment.
Rakesh Kumar Mishra, Superintendent of Police (Rural), confirmed that a case was filed at Sarurpur police station.
"Kapil is in the Indian Army. He was returning to his post. There was a long queue at the Bhuni toll booth. He was in a hurry, and he spoke to the toll booth staff. An argument began, and the toll booth staff assaulted him," Mishra said.
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He added that, “Four accused have been arrested after scanning CCTV footage and videos. Two more teams are working to arrest the other accused.”
The attack has raised questions about the safety of commuters at toll booths. Social media users expressed anger over the assault of a soldier who serves the nation. Many demanded exemplary punishment for the accused.
SC Misra assured that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests will follow. Police teams are also verifying whether the toll exemption claim by the soldier was valid.
The toll booth management has not issued an official statement yet. Meanwhile, the video continues to circulate online, adding to the outrage.
