Para Commando Shyamraj EV Allegedly Harassed at Karnataka Toll Plaza Despite Valid Exemption
In an unfortunate incident that has sparked widespread public outrage, a disabled veteran of the Indian Army's elite Special Forces was reportedly denied toll exemption and subjected to alleged harassment at the Sastan Toll Booth on National Highway 66 near Udupi. The event occurred on the eve of India's 77th Republic Day, highlighting concerns regarding the treatment of war heroes and the enforcement of exemption policies for battle casualties.
Ex-Para Commando Shyamraj EV, a paraplegic veteran from the 21 Para (Special Forces) unit, released a video statement from his wheelchair at the toll plaza. In the recording, he detailed how toll staff refused to honor his official exemption documents, which grant him toll-free passage under the Indian Tolls Act due to his status as a war casualty. Shyamraj explained that he had crossed numerous toll plazas without issue using the same documentation, but at Sastan, personnel identified as Suresh and Shivanath insisted on payment before allowing his vehicle to proceed.
"I am not asking for charity or begging," Shyamraj stated in the video, emphasizing his reliance on the provisions outlined in his exemption letter issued by the relevant military authorities. "These individuals are telling me they will not let me go without paying." The veteran, a resident of Kasaragod district in Kerala, expressed frustration over the denial, particularly on a day preceding Republic Day, when the nation honors its armed forces and their sacrifices.
Shyamraj's military service includes distinguished contributions as a paratrooper, during which he sustained injuries that resulted in his permanent disability. Such veterans are entitled to toll exemptions as a mark of respect for their service, a policy intended to facilitate their mobility and acknowledge their contributions to national security.
The video quickly went viral on social media platforms, eliciting strong reactions from the public and calls for accountability. Many expressed dismay at the apparent lack of awareness or disregard for exemption protocols among toll staff, urging authorities to ensure better training and compliance.
In response to the backlash, staff at the Sasthan toll plaza issued an apology. Reports indicate that the matter was resolved following the intervention, with the veteran eventually allowed to pass without payment. However, the incident has prompted discussions on the need for standardized procedures to prevent similar occurrences and to uphold the dignity of disabled veterans.
Authorities from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have not yet released an official statement on the episode, but it underscores the importance of sensitizing frontline personnel to government-mandated exemptions for military personnel. As the nation reflects on Republic Day values, this event serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to support and respect those who have served in defense of the country.
