Soldier Attacked: Incident Left Emotional Scars, Says Jawan
Soldier assaulted by toll staff while en route to duty sparks national anger and police action.
Army jawan Kapil Panwar, a resident of Gotka village, was brutally assaulted by toll plaza staff at the Bhuni toll plaza in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, while en route to Delhi airport to join his duty in Srinagar. The incident, which has left both physical and emotional scars, has ignited widespread outrage and raised serious questions about the treatment of soldiers in their own country.
Kapil, currently receiving treatment at a military hospital, recounted the harrowing experience. He had requested a quick passage through the toll by presenting his identity card, only to face alleged misbehavior from the staff. When he resisted, the situation escalated, and he was attacked with sticks and iron rods. His father, uncle, and cousin, who were in the vehicle with him, were unable to assist as the car's lock malfunctioned, trapping them inside.
"The injuries on the body will heal with time, but the wound to the mind will remain for life," Kapil stated, expressing the deep emotional toll of being attacked in his homeland while serving the nation at its borders.
The assault, captured in a viral video, prompted swift responses from both authorities and the public. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) terminated the private contract with the toll operator, M/s Dharam Singh, and imposed a Rs 20 lakh penalty. The NHAI has since taken direct control of the toll plaza, with a 15-member team from its Baghpat division overseeing operations and reopening cash counters, according to Project Director Narendra Singh.
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The Meerut police have arrested eight individuals, including 19-year-old Ravi from Karnawal, in connection with the assault. Senior Superintendent of Police Vipin Tada confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects, and security has been strengthened at all toll plazas in the district. Toll employees have been directed to maintain courteous behavior toward commuters to prevent future incidents.
Kapil’s family has demanded stringent punishment for those responsible, emphasizing the irony of a soldier risking his life at the border only to face violence at home. The Indian Army’s Central Command condemned the incident and has engaged with senior Uttar Pradesh Police officials to ensure justice. "The Indian Army remains committed to ensuring justice and will pursue the case to its logical conclusion," the Command stated.
The case, registered under provisions of attempt to murder, unlawful assembly, and robbery under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), continues to fuel public anger and calls for systemic changes to protect those who serve the nation.
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