New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 20 lakhs on the toll collecting agency at Bhuni Toll Plaza on Meerut-Karnal section, after its staff beat up an army personnel.
On Sunday, 26-year-old Army jawan Kapil, posted with the Rajput Battalion in Srinagar and on leave for the Kanwar Yatra, was allegedly tied to a pole and beaten by toll workers at the Bhuni Toll Plaza.
NHAI has also initiated the process of terminating and debarring the toll collection firm, M/s Dharam Singh, from future participation in toll plaza bids.
An official statement said, taking strict action on the incident of misbehavior with army personnel by toll staff deployed at Bhuni Toll Plaza on Meerut-Karnal section of NH-709A on 17th August, where a verbal altercation between an army personnel and toll staff escalated into a fight.
An Army Jawan, returning to his duty in J&K, was brutally assaulted by toll plaza staffers at Bhuni #TollPlaza on Meerut-Karnal Highway on August 17 for objecting to the long queue.
NHAI has imposed a penalty of Rs 20 lakhs on the toll collecting agency, M/s Dharam Singh, in view of the grave breach of the Contract Agreement due to the agency’s failure to manage the situation and ensure staff discipline.
Additionally, NHAI has initiated the process of terminating and debarring the toll collection firm from future participation in toll plaza bids.
The local police has also lodged an FIR and arrested six people in this matter, the statement said.
NHAI strongly condemns such behavior by the fee plaza staff and is committed to ensure safe and seamless travel on National Highways, it added.
On Monday, over 500 villagers gathered at the toll to protest the brutal assault of an Indian Army soldier by toll staff.
The unrest, which started around 1 PM, continued for nearly four hours until 5 PM, resulting in significant damage to toll infrastructure.
Angry residents from Gotka and surrounding villages reached the toll plaza in large numbers today and vandalized the toll office, smashed computers, air conditioners, and furniture, and pelted stones.
The enraged mob also broke barricades, windows, and demolished all six toll lanes, allowing vehicles to pass without paying toll fees. Following the destruction, the protesters sat on a dharna (sit-in protest) at the site.
The protest was later called off on assurance of the officers that they will take stern action against all the accused.
