Punjab Police have arrested one more suspect, Neeraj Talian alias Bittu, late Monday night, bringing the total number of detainees to seven in the brutal assault of Indian Army jawan Kapil Singh at Bhuni Toll Plaza in Meerut’s Sarurpur area on August 17, 2025. The incident, captured on CCTV and widely circulated online, sparked public outrage and local protests, prompting swift action from authorities.
Kapil, a 26-year-old soldier from Gotka village serving with the Rajput Regiment in Srinagar, was traveling with his cousin Shivam to Delhi airport to resume duty after leave when their car was stuck in a long queue at the toll plaza on the Meerut-Karnal section of NH-709A. An altercation erupted after Kapil urged toll staff to expedite the queue, escalating into a violent attack where employees allegedly tied him to a pole, beat him with sticks and iron rods, and snatched his Army ID and mobile phone. His companions were also assaulted, with videos showing toll workers using kicks, punches, and even a brick.
Superintendent of Police (Rural) Rakesh Kumar Mishra confirmed the arrests of Sachin, Vijay, Anuj, Ankit, Suresh Rana, Ankit Sharma, and Neeraj Talian alias Bittu, identified through CCTV footage analysis. A case was filed at Sarurpur police station based on a complaint by Kapil’s father, Krishan Pal, under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for attempt to murder, unlawful assembly, and robbery. Efforts to apprehend additional suspects, estimated at 10-12 by Kapil’s brother Pradeep, are ongoing, with police reviewing further evidence.
Also Read: Shocking Assault: Army Jawan Tied to Pole, Beaten by Meerut Toll Booth Staff
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) responded on August 18, 2025, imposing a Rs 20 lakh fine on the toll operator, M/s Dharam Singh, for a “grave breach of contract” and initiating steps to terminate their contract and bar them from future bids. NHAI condemned the staff’s behavior, reaffirming its commitment to safe travel on national highways. The Indian Army’s Central Command also issued a strong statement on X, denouncing the attack and confirming engagement with Uttar Pradesh Police to ensure justice, with the Army vowing to pursue the case to its conclusion.
The assault triggered protests on August 18, with villagers vandalizing the toll plaza and allowing vehicles to pass without payment, prompting heavy police deployment to restore order. As the investigation continues, the incident has raised concerns about toll plaza management and the safety of military personnel, with calls for stricter oversight to prevent such violence.
Also Read: Shocking Assault: Army Jawan Tied to Pole, Beaten by Meerut Toll Booth Staff