A disturbing incident at Bhuni Toll Plaza on the Meerut-Karnal highway has ignited nationwide outrage after Kapil Kavad, a 24-year-old Indian Army jawan from the Rajput Regiment, was brutally assaulted by toll booth workers on Sunday night. The soldier, a resident of Gotka village in Meerut’s Sarurpur area, was en route to Delhi airport with his cousin to catch a flight to Srinagar, where he was due to resume duty, when the altercation unfolded.

CCTV and mobile footage, now widely circulated on social media, captured the harrowing scene: at least six toll employees pinning Kavad to a pole, beating him with sticks, and delivering kicks and punches while hurling abuses. One assailant was seen lifting a brick, threatening further violence. The attack, which also targeted Kavad’s cousin, stemmed from a dispute over a long queue at the toll booth. Kavad, anxious about missing his flight, reportedly requested the staff to expedite the process, citing his village’s toll-exempt status. The situation escalated rapidly, with the toll workers allegedly dragging the duo from their vehicle.

Superintendent of Police (Rural) Rakesh Kumar Mishra confirmed that four of the accused—identified through CCTV footage—have been arrested, with two additional police teams pursuing the remaining suspects. “Kapil is a serving soldier. He was in a hurry and spoke to the toll staff, leading to an argument that turned violent,” Mishra said. A case has been registered at Sarurpur police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita following a complaint from Kavad’s family.

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The incident has drawn sharp condemnation on X, with users decrying the assault on a soldier as “shameful” and demanding stricter oversight of toll plaza operations. Posts highlight a pattern of violence in Uttar Pradesh, referencing a recent case in Deoria where a retired jawan was beaten to death. Locals and veterans are calling for enhanced security measures and respect for armed forces personnel, with some alleging toll plazas are operated by “criminal gangs.”

The Meerut Police have vowed swift justice, and the investigation is ongoing to identify all involved. The attack underscores broader concerns about safety at toll plazas and the treatment of soldiers, prompting calls for systemic reforms to prevent such incidents.

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