The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Monday confirmed that it has taken strong disciplinary action against the toll collection agency operating at the Bhuni toll plaza in Meerut. The authority announced a fine of ₹20 lakh after an Army soldier was physically assaulted by toll booth staff at the location.

The incident occurred on 17th August when 26-year-old Army jawan Kapil Kavad, serving with the Rajput Regiment, was attacked by toll employees in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut. A disturbing video capturing the assault went viral on social media, which led to the immediate arrest of six accused individuals.

Police have filed a case against more than eight people, including the main accused Bittu. Authorities have also confirmed that a search is underway to apprehend the remaining suspects. The clash unfolded at the Bhuni Toll Plaza situated on the Meerut-Karnal stretch of National Highway (NH)-709A.

In response, NHAI issued a strong statement of condemnation. “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 & debarring the toll collection firm from future participation in toll plaza bids. NHAI strongly condemns such behaviour by the toll plaza staff and is committed to ensuring safe and seamless travel on National Highways.”

Reaffirming its stand, the authority added: "Taking 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 August 17, 2025, where a verbal altercation between an Army personnel and toll staff escalated into a fight."

The viral video also triggered public anger in the area. Locals, outraged by the mistreatment of the soldier, stormed the toll plaza and vandalised property, confronting the staff and creating heightened tensions in the Sarurpur region.

Kapil, the soldier who was assaulted, belongs to Gotka village near the toll plaza. He was home on leave at the time of the incident and was travelling to Delhi airport to board a flight to Srinagar, where he was scheduled to resume duty.

What Happened

The soldier has been identified as Kapil Kavad of the Rajput Regiment. He had taken a short holiday at his village and was preparing to return to duty. On the day of the incident, he was travelling with his cousin Devendra to Delhi airport to catch a flight to Srinagar, where he was posted. The two were stuck at the crowded Bhuni toll plaza, and Kapil, anxious about missing his flight, stepped out of the car to speak with the toll staff.

He explained the urgency of his travel, even showing his Army ID card, and requested them to allow him to pass quickly as his flight was scheduled at 5 a.m. However, instead of helping him, the toll employees began to argue. Very soon, Bittu (32), the security supervisor at the toll plaza and a resident of Sardhana’s Chhur village, arrived and began abusing Kapil. What had started as a simple discussion soon turned into violent confrontation.

At least five toll employees assaulted Kapil and his cousin. The viral video of the incident shows the soldier being brutally beaten with sticks, pinned to a pole, and held with his arms pulled back. One of the attackers is heard hurling abuses while striking the uniformed jawan. These visuals shocked citizens across the nation, as they revealed how a soldier who defends the country was subjected to such humiliation within his own homeland.

During the assault, Kapil sustained a nose injury, while Devendra was also beaten as he tried to shield his cousin. In the footage, attackers are clearly seen restraining Kapil and striking him repeatedly with sticks.

Superintendent of Police (Rural) Rakesh Kumar Mishra confirmed the details: “Kapil is in the Indian Army. He was returning to his post. There was a long queue at the Bhuni toll booth. He was in a hurry and he spoke to the toll booth staff. An argument began and the toll booth staff assaulted him. Following a complaint from his family, a case was registered at Sarurpur police station.” He further added, "Four accused have been arrested after scanning CCTV footage and videos. Two more teams are working to arrest the other accused."

Local reports suggest that the conflict worsened when Kapil told the toll staff that his village was under an area exempted from toll charges. Instead of resolving the matter, the employees resorted to physical violence. Based on CCTV evidence, police have already arrested six individuals, while attempts continue to trace the others.

When Kapil contacted his family after being injured, about 10–15 villagers rushed to the toll plaza and staged a protest. The commotion persisted until law enforcement arrived and brought the situation under control. Once the video spread across social media, anger deepened further. Residents stormed the toll plaza, damaging property and confronting staff.

The incident has sparked national outrage, with many questioning, is this the respect our soldiers deserve? People are asking why those who defend the borders are being degraded inside the country itself.

The anger was visible beyond the online space. On Monday, hundreds of villagers again stormed Bhuni toll plaza, smashing booths, uprooting barriers, and shouting slogans, calling the attack an “insult to the Army.” Many villagers reminded others that Kapil had only recently returned from Operation Sindoor, which made the humiliation even harder for the community to accept.

Video evidence from the site clearly shows Kapil being restrained and struck despite his uniformed identity being known. These disturbing visuals have intensified calls for strict punishment, with citizens demanding that no leniency be shown to the culprits.