Udupi

A retired Army commando who lost both legs during his service has claimed he was harassed and humiliated by toll plaza personnel in Udupi district, police said on Tuesday.

The incident took place at the Sasthana toll plaza near Kundapur on January 26. A video recorded by the veteran at the booth has gone viral, drawing widespread public attention and outrage.

The soldier, identified as 42-year-old Shyamaraj from Edaneeru in Kerala’s Kasaragod district, served with the elite 21 Paramilitary unit. He was severely injured during Operation Parakram, leaving him permanently disabled and reliant on a wheelchair.

In the video, Shyamaraj speaks in Hindi, stating that he holds a valid identity card and a toll exemption pass issued by the Government of India. He said he has passed through toll plazas across the country without paying but was stopped at Sasthana and asked to pay the fee.

"I am a war veteran of Operation Parakram. I have all the necessary documents for toll exemption. At other plazas, I was allowed to pass, but here they are stopping me," he said, mentioning two toll staff members. He added, "Do you see why I am in this wheelchair? Is this how a soldier who sacrificed for the country is treated?"

Operation Parakram involved a large-scale military mobilisation lasting over 10 months (December 2001–October 2002) following the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament.

Distressed by the incident, Shyamaraj appealed to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to intervene, highlighting that disabled war veterans are exempt from toll payments. Toll personnel reportedly said they were acting on instructions from higher authorities and were unaware of the exemption.

The exchange escalated tensions, with the veteran expressing frustration over the lack of sensitivity shown toward war-disabled personnel.

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The incident has drawn sharp criticism on social media, with users calling for strict action against the staff involved and advocating for better training on toll regulations for defence veterans.