On August 17, a 26-year-old Army jawan, Kapil Kavad of the Rajput Regiment, was assaulted at a toll booth in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. A video of the incident, showing toll plaza staff attacking the soldier, went viral on social media, prompting the arrest of six individuals.
#मेरठ के भूनी टोल प्लाजा पर भारतीय सेवा के जवान को पीटने वाले 6 आरोपी पुलिस में गिरफ्तार किए हैं
8 से अधिक आरोपियों के खिलाफ मुकदमा दर्ज हुआ है जिसमें बिट्टू नाम का एक आरोपी नामजद है. केस में बिट्टू मुख्यारोपी है
पुलिस अभी बाकी अपराधियों की तलाश कर रही है pic.twitter.com/I56bWqm3AB
— Narendra Pratap (@hindipatrakar) August 18, 2025
A case has been filed against more than eight people, including the main accused, Bittu. Police are currently searching for the remaining suspects. The incident took place at Bhuni Toll Plaza on the Meerut-Karnal stretch of National Highway 709A.
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has taken strict action regarding the incident. NHAI imposed a penalty of Rs 20 lakhs on the toll collection agency, M/s Dharam Singh, and has begun the process of terminating and debarring the firm from participating in future toll plaza bids. NHAI strongly condemns the misconduct of the toll plaza staff and remains committed to ensuring safe and smooth travel on National Highways.
NHAI has taken strict action on the incident of misbehaviour with army personnel by toll staff deployed at Bhuni Toll Plaza on Meerut-Karnal section of NH-709A on 17th August 2025. NHAI has imposed a penalty of Rs. 20 lakhs on the toll collecting agency, M/s Dharam Singh and has… pic.twitter.com/wpL2rN6Lug
— NHAI (@NHAI_Official) August 18, 2025
The incident occurred in the Sarurpur area at the Bhuni toll plaza. Kapil, who hails from the nearby village of Gotka, was on vacation at home and was heading to Delhi airport to catch a flight to his posting in Srinagar.
What happened
Kapil was stuck at the crowded Bhuni toll plaza along with his cousin (or brother) Devendra. Concerned about being late for his trip, Kapil got out of the car and spoke to the toll booth workers. A dispute broke out when he asked them to let him pass, explaining he had a 5 a.m. flight from Delhi to Srinagar and even showed his ID as proof.
उत्तर प्रदेश –
मेरठ में टोल प्लाजा कर्मचारियों ने इंडियन आर्मी के जवान कपिल को खंभे से बांधकर बर्बरता से पीटा। स्टाफ ने टोल मांगा तो कपिल ने I-card दिखाया। फिर भी टोलकर्मी नहीं माने। जिसके बाद विवाद बढ़ता गया। pic.twitter.com/RE7HqOepgw— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) August 18, 2025
However, the staff began arguing, and soon after, Bittu (32), the security supervisor at the toll plaza and a resident of Sardhana’s Chhur village, arrived and started verbally abusing Kapil. The situation quickly escalated, and they began attacking him, causing a nose injury. Devendra was also beaten while trying to protect his cousin.
The footage shows the attackers using a stick to assault Kapil. While one of them insulted and struck him, the others held him against a post and forcibly pulled his hands back.
“Kapil serves in the Indian Army and was on his way back to his post. There was a long queue at the Bhuni toll booth, and as he was in a hurry, he spoke to the toll staff. An argument broke out, and the toll booth employees assaulted him. After receiving a complaint from his family, a case was registered at the Sarurpur police station,” said Superintendent of Police (Rural), Rakesh Kumar Mishra.
According to him, efforts are underway to trace the remaining suspects, in addition to the six already arrested, based on CCTV footage. After Kapil informed his family about the assault, around 10 to 15 villagers rushed to the spot and began a protest. The situation remained tense until police arrived and brought the crowd under control.
The incident, which went viral on social media, sparked outrage among locals. In anger, they stormed the toll booth and damaged property, leading to heightened tension in the area.
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