Meerut, Uttar Pradesh | August 18, 2025 – The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has imposed a ₹20 lakh penalty on the agency operating the Bhuni toll plaza in Meerut after a serving Army soldier was assaulted by toll staff, an incident captured on CCTV and widely shared on social media. NHAI has also initiated termination of the agency’s contract and begun debarment proceedings against the firm.
What happened
According to initial reports, the soldier was returning to duty when a dispute at the Bhuni toll barrier escalated. Staff members allegedly tied him to a pole and beat him, as seen in visuals that triggered public anger and a swift official response. Six employees have been arrested in the case, police said. The Indian Army condemned the assault.
NHAI’s action
In an official statement, NHAI said it had levied a ₹20 lakh fine on the toll collecting agency – M/s Dharam Singh, for grave breach of contract conditions and conduct standards. The authority added that it has started the process to terminate the contract and to debar the firm from future toll bids. NHAI reiterated that it “strongly condemns such behaviour by toll plaza staff” and is committed to safe, seamless travel on national highways.
Police investigation and arrests
Based on the complaint and CCTV footage, police booked multiple employees linked to the incident and made six arrests. Further investigations are underway to identify all those involved and to examine the exact sequence of events at the plaza.
Strong reactions and next steps
The assault sparked outrage online and offline, prompting calls for strict action against the operator and better safeguards for travellers in uniform. Local authorities faced questions on toll plaza management practices and oversight. Some reports also indicated that authorities were exploring stringent legal provisions in response to the severity of the assault.
For motorists, NHAI’s decision means the current operator could lose the contract pending due process. The authority’s move to debar the firm from future bids is intended as a deterrent across the sector, signalling that physical intimidation or violence by any toll staff will draw immediate penalties and the risk of being blacklisted.
Why this matters
Incidents at toll plazas often begin as routine disputes over lane discipline or payment but can quickly escalate if staff are poorly trained or security protocols are weak. Probably NHAI’s response will set a clear benchmark, operators are responsible for the behaviour of their employees and must maintain order without resorting to force. Contract conditions typically include codes of conduct, grievance redress mechanisms, CCTV coverage, and coordination with local police, areas that will now come under close review at Bhuni and potentially elsewhere.
