The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has imposed a ₹20 lakh penalty on M/s Dharam Singh, the toll-collecting agency at Bhuni Toll Plaza, after its staffers tied up and thrashed an army jawan on August 17. NHAI announced in a statement that it has also initiated the process of terminating the firm’s contract and debarring it 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,” the agency said in a statement.
The action follows public outrage over a video clip that showed the soldier, Kapil Singh of the Rajput Regiment, being tied to a pole and attacked with sticks by a group of toll plaza employees. Six staffers have been arrested for the assault.
According to police, the attack occurred after the jawan requested a quick passage to catch a flight to rejoin his duty in Srinagar. Following the incident, angry villagers also vandalized the toll plaza, though the police have brought the situation under control.
NHAI Fines Toll Agency ₹20 Lakh For Assault On Army Jawan
