Updated
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jan 26: Staff of a toll plaza near Sasthana in Kota taluk of Udupi district have apologised for allegedly humiliating a retired Army officer by denying him toll exemption on Republic Day.
The incident occurred on the night of January 25, when retired Army officer Shyamaraj was reportedly stopped at the toll gate and denied the exemption extended to defence personnel. The conduct of the toll staff allegedly caused him distress.
Angered by the incident, Shyamaraj recorded a video and shared it on social media, alleging disrespect towards a soldier on Republic Day. The video soon went viral, drawing widespread public criticism.
Shyamaraj, a native of Kasargod, is wheelchair-bound and depends on assistance for mobility. He is a former soldier who survived a tragic military accident in which a vehicle plunged nearly 400 feet into a gorge, leaving him permanently disabled.
As per existing rules, toll exemptions are extended to serving and retired defence personnel. However, the toll staff allegedly failed to honour the exemption in this instance.
Following public outrage, the toll plaza staff tendered an apology to the retired officer.
“We did not have proper information regarding the exemption. I had forwarded the details to my superiors, but confirmation was delayed, which led to confusion. I apologised to the soldier on the spot and now apologise once again,” said a staff member.
Earlier Report
Udupi: Disabled Army veteran allegedly humiliated at Sasthan toll plaza on Republic Day
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Jan 26: An incident involving the alleged humiliation of a retired Indian Army soldier, grievously injured in the line of duty, has come to light at the Sasthan toll plaza on Republic Day, triggering widespread public outrage.
The retired soldier, identified as Shyamaraj, alleged that toll plaza staff refused to grant him a toll exemption despite him producing an official exemption letter issued for soldiers injured in war. The incident occurred while he was travelling through the Sasthan toll gate. Distressed by the incident, Shyamaraj recorded a video narrating his experience and shared it on social media. The video subsequently went viral, sparking nationwide debate.
Shyamaraj is a former paratrooper of the elite 21 Para Special Forces and a resident of Kasargod district. He narrowly survived a landmine blast during Operation Parakram when his vehicle hit a landmine while returning from an anti-terror operation. The explosion claimed the lives of 15 soldiers, with Shyamaraj and one other soldier being the only survivors. He remained in a coma for nearly 15 days and sustained severe spinal injuries, leaving him permanently disabled.
His wife is also serving in the Indian Army and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Military Nursing Service. Shyamaraj stated that he was travelling in connection with his wife’s official posting and had shown an authorised toll exemption letter issued by the RMA. Despite this, he alleged that the toll staff refused to honour the exemption.
Following the widespread circulation of the video, the toll plaza staff reportedly acknowledged the lapse and apologised to Shyamaraj. However, the incident has drawn sharp criticism from the public, particularly as it occurred on Republic Day, a day symbolising national pride, sacrifice and service to the nation.
Several citizens condemned the incident, stating that such treatment of a soldier who risked his life in the service of the country is unacceptable.