NEW DELHI, AUGUST 19, 2025: Taking strict action on the incident of misbehavior with army personnel by toll staff deployed at Bhuni Toll Plaza on Meerut-Karnal section of NH-709A in Uttar Pradesh state on 17th August 2025, where a verbal altercation between an army personnel and toll staff escalated into a fight.
NHAI has imposed a penalty of Rs. 20 lakhs on the toll collecting agency, M/s Dharam Singh, in view of the grave breach of the Contract Agreement due to the agency’s failure to manage the situation and ensure staff discipline. Additionally, NHAI has initiated the process of terminating and debarring the toll collection firm from future participation in toll plaza bids. The local police have also lodged an FIR and arrested six people in this matter.
NHAI strongly condemns such behaviour by the fee plaza staff and is committed to ensuring safe and seamless travel on National Highways.
It may be mentioned here that the soldier, Kapil Kavad, is with the Rajput Regiment of the Indian Army. He was home for a holiday and was heading to Delhi airport to fly to his post in Srinagar. Kapil and his cousin got stuck at the crowded Bhuni toll booth. Anxious about getting late for his flight, Kapil got out of the car and started speaking to the toll booth staff.
An altercation followed, and at least five toll booth employees thrashed Kapil and his cousin. A video of the assault showed them beating Kapil with a stick. Some assailants then pin Kapil to a pole, pull his hands back as one of them hurls abuses and beats up the soldier.
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