Ex-commando in wheelchair alleges harassment at Karnataka toll plaza. NHAI reacts

The NHAI clarified that the toll exemption is only applicable to people presently serving in the army, and there is no provision for ex-Army personnel.

A disabled Army veteran, Shyamaraj, who lost both legs while serving in the elite 21 Para unit, on Sunday, alleged mistreatment by staff at the Sasthan toll plaza near Karnataka's Udupi. The incident came to public attention after a video showing Shyamaraj in a wheelchair went viral, triggering widespread discussion. As the video drew attention, the National Highway Authority of India issued a quick statement.

In the video, Shyamaraj claimed that the tollgate staff forced him to pay the toll despite clear exemption rules for war veterans and disabled soldiers. He further mentioned that the tollgate employees refused to provide him with any exemption, despite him submitting all the necessary documents about being part of Operation Parakram, where he lost both of his legs.

“Why am I sitting in this wheelchair today? Does my sacrifice mean nothing? Shyamraj was heard saying in the video. Raising his fingers to two tollgate staff, Shivaram and Suresh, he said that all the other employees at different tollgates allowed him for an exemption; however, these two did not let him proceed without paying the toll.

He further sought clarification from the Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari over this alleged mistreatment.

Meanwhile, the employees, who were accused of harassment, said that they acted as per the provisions of the law and did not do anything that the law did not permit.

Following the controversy, the National Highway Authority of India soon stepped onto the scene and clarified the incident. In its statement, the NHAI said, "The toll fee exemption applies only to serving Army personnel on official duty. In this case, the user was an Ex-Army personnel and was not eligible under toll fee rules, as the documents submitted did not meet the prescribed exemption criteria."