Soldier returning to duty pinned, thrashed at Meerut toll booth; four arrested after video goes viral

A serving Indian Army soldier was brutally thrashed by toll plaza staff in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut after an altercation turned violent, prompting swift police action. The incident, captured in a widely circulated video, shows the jawan being pinned to a pole and beaten with sticks while assailants hurl abuses.

Kapil, an Indian Army Soldier posted in Kashmir was brutally assaulted by goons of Meerut Toll Plaza. Most of these toll plazas are being operated by criminal gangs and commuters face such lawlessness by these goons on a daily routine.pic.twitter.com/k2mvIqWb4P

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According to an NDTV report, the victim, Kapil Kavad of the Rajput Regiment, was on leave and en route to Delhi airport to return to his posting in Srinagar. Accompanied by his cousin, Kavad was stuck in a long queue at the Bhuni toll booth when he approached staff to expedite the process, leading to a heated argument.

The footage reveals at least five employees attacking Kavad and his cousin, with one assailant violently restraining the soldier against a pole. The Meerut police confirmed that four suspects have been arrested, with additional teams deployed to apprehend remaining accused.

Rakesh Kumar Mishra, Superintendent of Police (Rural), stated that a case was registered at Sarurpur police station following a complaint by Kavad’s family. "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,” Mishra was quoted by NDTV as saying. The officer added that after reviewing CCTV and viral videos, police have taken four into custody.

While initial reports suggest the dispute began over toll exemption claims, Kavad reportedly argued his village fell under a tax-free zone, authorities are verifying the exact trigger. The assault has sparked condemnation, with social media users demanding strict action.