A serving Army soldier, Kapil Kavad, was violently assaulted at a toll plaza in Meerut on Sunday night, sparking public outrage after videos of the incident went viral on social media. The soldier, who was on his way to catch a flight back to his duty post in Srinagar, was pinned to a pole and beaten by a group of toll plaza employees at Bhuni Toll Plaza, located on the Meerut–Karnal highway.

The 24-year-old jawan, a member of the Indian Army’s Rajput Regiment, had been home on leave. He was accompanied by his cousin and traveling to Delhi airport when they got stuck in a long queue at the toll gate. Concerned about missing his flight, he stepped out of the car to speak with the toll workers, seeking permission to bypass the traffic.

What followed, according to officials, was a violent turn of events. Eyewitness videos show the soldier being manhandled, tied to a pole, and repeatedly struck with sticks. At one point, a man can be seen holding a brick, while others twist the soldier’s arms behind his back and hurl verbal abuse. His cousin was reportedly also assaulted during the scuffle.

According to some reports, the confrontation began after Kapil claimed exemption from toll fees, stating his village falls within the toll-free zone. This sparked a heated argument, which quickly escalated into a brutal attack.

Ajay Shukla, Station House Officer of Sarurpur Police Station, stated, “There was a long queue at the toll booth, the jawan was getting late to catch his flight and requested the toll staff to let him bypass the long line. They told him to reverse his car, but he refused, saying he could not reverse it anymore. This turned into an argument, and eventually, they started beating him up.”

Following a complaint filed by Kapil’s family, an FIR was registered. Local police swiftly acted upon the viral footage and identified the accused using CCTV evidence.

“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,” said Rakesh Kumar Mishra, Superintendent of Police (Rural).

Mishra also confirmed, “Four accused have been arrested after scanning CCTV footage and videos. Two more teams are working to arrest the other accused.”

This violent incident follows closely on the heels of another recent tragedy in Uttar Pradesh, where a 65-year-old retired Army veteran, Ramdayal Kushwaha, was killed in Deoria district after an argument over land access turned fatal. According to police, he had objected to a neighbor driving through his property, which led to the deadly assault.

Both incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety and respect accorded to India’s armed forces personnel, both serving and retired, even when off duty.