NHAI Fines Toll Operator ₹20 Lakh for Misbehaving with Army Personnel at Bhuni Plaza
Six people have been taken into custody in Meerut following the assault of an Indian Army personnel at the Bhuni Toll Plaza on the Meerut-Karnal stretch of NH-709A, officials said Monday.
The soldier, identified as Kapil, was on his way back to rejoin duty in Srinagar after completing his leave and had a flight to catch.
“A person named Kapil is serving in the Indian Army. Yesterday, he was returning after completing his leave, and he had a flight to catch. There was a line of vehicles at the Bhuni Toll Plaza, and he spoke to the toll workers to pass through quickly,” Meerut SP Rural, Rakesh Kumar Mishra, told ANI on Monday.
He further added, “During this, an argument broke out, and the toll workers beat him up. Six people have been arrested in the case. One or two more individuals seen in the video will also be arrested soon.”
As news of the assault came to the fore, locals staged a protest on the road seeking stringent actions against those responsible for the incident.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), meanwhile, stated that a Rs 20 lakh fine has been imposed on the toll collecting agency for the misbehaviour.
“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 initiated the process of terminating and debarring the toll collection firm from future participation in toll plaza bids,” NHAI said on X.
It further stated that the NHAI strongly condemns such behaviour by the toll plaza staff and is committed to ensuring safe and seamless travel on national highways.
Video of the incident surfaced on social media, sparking massive outrage. Besides the backlash on social media, the incident also triggered public protests on Monday, with angry villagers gathering at the toll plaza, raising slogans and allowing vehicles to pass without toll payment.
