'My own countrymen's behaviour has left lasting scar': Army jawan after being assaulted in Meerut

Meerut: Army jawan Kapil Panwar, who was brutally assaulted by toll plaza staff in Meerut last week, said on Thursday that while he has no hesitation in facing enemies at the border, the treatment he received in his own country has left him scarred for life.

“The injuries on the body will heal with time, but the wound to the mind will remain for life,” said Kapil, who is currently undergoing treatment at the military hospital.

The incident occurred on August 17 at the Bhuni toll plaza, when a resident of Gotka village was traveling to Delhi Airport to join duty in Srinagar. After showing his identity card and requesting staff let his vehicle pass quickly, he was allegedly abused and attacked with sticks and iron rods. His father, uncle, and cousin, who were in the car with him, could not help as the vehicle’s lock had jammed.

His parents have demanded strict punishment for the attackers, saying their son risks his life at the border only to be assaulted at home.

Amid public outrage, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) scrapped the private contract, imposed a ₹20 lakh penalty on the operator M/s Dharam Singh, and took over direct management of the toll. A 15-member NHAI team from Baghpat has now assumed charge of operations.

Meanwhile, police said eight accused have been arrested, including a man named Ravi from Karnawal, while searches are on for the others. Security has been tightened across all toll plazas in the district, SSP Vipin Tada confirmed.

The FIR, lodged by Kapil’s father, includes charges of attempt to murder, unlawful assembly, and robbery under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The Indian Army’s Central Command has strongly condemned the assault, assuring that it will follow the case until justice is delivered.

“The Indian Army remains committed to ensuring justice and will pursue the case to its logical conclusion,” the Command said.