The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken decisive action by imposing a ₹20 lakh penalty on the toll collection agency M/s Dharam Singh for misconduct toward an Army soldier at the Bhuni Toll Plaza on the Meerut–Karnal section of NH-709A.
Background of the Incident
On the night of August 17, 2025, Army jawan Kapil Singh of the Rajput Regiment, returning to duty in Srinagar from leave, encountered a lengthy queue at Bhuni Toll Plaza in Meerut’s Sarurpur area. He attempted to expedite through the lineup using his service ID—but the exchange escalated from words to violence. In a disturbing turn, toll staff forcibly tied him to a pole and assaulted him with blunt objects, as captured in a widely shared video The Times of IndiaThe New Indian ExpressThe Economic Times.
Police Response
Local authorities registered a First Information Report (FIR), and based on CCTV evidence, six staffers involved were arrested—six according to PIB and PSU Connect Press Information BureauPSU Connect. NDTV reported seven arrests, naming individuals such as Sachin, Vijay, Anuj, Ankit, Suresh Rana, Ankit Sharma, and Neeraj Talian alias Bittu.
NHAI’s Action
NHAI condemned the toll staff’s behaviour and declared its commitment to safe travel on national highways. It invoked the breach of contract terms, penalising the agency ₹20 lakh. It also kicked off the process to terminate their current contract and debar the firm from future toll plaza bids.
Public Outcry and Fallout
Following the viral video, angry locals staged protests at the toll plaza, even vandalising it. Some demanded that the imposed ₹20 lakh fine be handed over to the jawan’s family. The outrage extended from citizens to political leaders such as BJP’s Sangeet Som, who called for national security laws to be invoked Navbharat Times+1.
Political and Administrative Reaction
Political figures demanded stern action. There was talk of leveraging the stricter National Security Act (NSA) to deal with the accused. The incident drew national attention, putting NHAI’s policies and staff accountability in the spotlight Navbharat Times+1.
Why This Matters
This episode underscores the risks faced by defence personnel even off the battlefield and highlights the urgent need for respectful treatment at public interfaces. NHAI’s swift crackdown signals a policy shift—toll operators must enforce discipline, or face serious fallout. The agency’s actions reinforce the principle that personnel on duty deserve deference and protection during travel.
Incident Timeline Summary
- August 17, 2025: Kapil Singh assaulted at Bhuni Toll Plaza after presenting service ID.
- Following day: FIR filed; video goes viral; six (or seven) toll staff arrested.
- August 18, 2025: NHAI imposes ₹20 lakh fine, moves to cancel contract and debar firm.
- Political backlash: Calls for NSA invoked; public protests demand justice and removal of plaza
