Overview

• Video from Bhuni toll plaza shows a serving soldier pinned to a pole and assaulted with sticks and bricks, triggering public outrage and a criminal probe.
• Investigators say seven accused, including security in-charge Neeraj Talian alias Bittu, have been arrested, and searches for other suspects are ongoing.
• The Indian Army condemned the attack and noted that an FIR cites Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions including attempt to murder, unlawful assembly and robbery.
• NHAI levied a ₹20 lakh penalty on the toll operator M/s Dharam Singh and initiated contract termination and debarment proceedings.
• Villagers vandalised the toll plaza during protests, and local authorities documented demands for staff removal and clarity on toll-free village exemptions.