Outrage Erupts as Locals Demand Justice for Kapil Kavad, Beaten by Toll Workers
Published on: August 18, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Meerut, India
In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread outrage, villagers in Meerut’s Sarurpur area vandalized the Bhuni Toll Plaza on the Meerut-Karnal Highway following the brutal assault of an Indian Army soldier, Kapil Kavad, by toll booth workers. The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, has led to heightened tensions, with locals demanding strict action against the perpetrators.
Kapil Kavad, a 26-year-old soldier from Gotka village, serving in the Rajput Regiment and stationed in Jammu and Kashmir, was traveling to Delhi airport with his cousin to catch a flight back to Srinagar to resume his duties. While passing through the Bhuni Toll Plaza, Kapil reportedly got into an argument with toll workers after requesting quick passage due to heavy traffic and his urgent need to reach the airport. He presented his Army ID, citing possible toll exemptions for his village, but the situation escalated rapidly.
According to reports, the toll workers, led by an individual identified as Bittu, the security in-charge, allegedly manhandled Kapil, pinned him to a pole, and beat him with sticks, kicks, and punches. Disturbing video footage circulating online shows 8-10 toll employees attacking Kapil, with one even wielding a brick. Kapil’s cousin, who attempted to intervene, was also assaulted. The soldier sustained injuries, including to his nose, and his clothes were torn during the attack.
Also read- https://www.btnewsindia.com/president-droupadi-murmu-braves-heavy-rain-to-honor-martyrs-at-national-war-memorial/ https://www.btnewsindia.com/only-indian-citizens-can-vote-foreigners-to-face-strict-scrutiny-cec-gyanesh-kumar/
The assault triggered an immediate and furious response from the local community. Enraged by the mistreatment of a serving soldier, hundreds of villagers from Gotka and nearby areas stormed the toll plaza, smashing booths, uprooting barriers, and confronting the staff. The protests continued late into the night, with locals demanding the immediate arrest of the toll workers involved. Police intervened to control the situation, deploying a heavy force to restore order.
Superintendent of Police (Rural), Rakesh Kumar Mishra, confirmed that four toll workers have been arrested based on CCTV footage and video evidence, with two additional police teams formed to apprehend the remaining suspects. A case has been registered at Sarurpur police station following a complaint from Kapil’s family. The injured soldier and his cousin were admitted to a community health center for treatment.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the conduct of toll plaza staff and the safety of commuters. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify all individuals involved in the assault, and investigations are ongoing to determine the full sequence of events. The vandalism and protests reflect the deep anger among locals over the mistreatment of a soldier serving the nation.
As the situation unfolds, the Bhuni Toll Plaza remains a focal point of tension, with calls for stricter oversight of toll operations and accountability for those responsible for the attack.
