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.