Daijiworld Media Network:-Brahmavar (NP)
Brahmavar, Jan 27:- An alleged incident of humiliation involving an ex-servicemen at the Sasthan Toll Plaza has sparked widespread outrage, with ex-servicemen demanding strict legal action against the toll plaza staff concerned. The incident reportedly occurred despite the retired soldier possessing valid toll exemption documents.
The incident took place at around 9.30 pm on January 25, and a video related to the episode has since gone viral on social media, intensifying public anger. Following a preliminary review of the incident, the Ex-Servicemen’s Association decided to lodge a formal complaint with the police, urging authorities to treat the matter with seriousness.
The complainant, Shyamaraj, a native of Kasargod, is an ex-servicemen who had actively participated in major counter-terror military operations, including Operation Parakram. During one such mission, his vehicle was hit by a landmine explosion, resulting in the death of 15 soldiers. Shyamaraj was one among only two survivors of the blast.
He sustained severe spinal injuries in the incident and has been permanently disabled. Despite his condition and service record, he was allegedly subjected to verbal abuse and humiliation by toll plaza staff while travelling through Sasthan Toll Plaza.
At the time of the incident, Shyamaraj was travelling with his family due to the transfer of his wife, who serves in the Military Nursing Service. According to the complaint, toll staff refused to acknowledge his valid toll exemption certificate and allegedly insulted him instead.
Condemning the incident, the Ex-Servicemen’s Association stated that disrespecting soldiers who risked their lives for the nation amounts to anti-national behaviour. The association has demanded immediate action against those responsible and stressed that such incidents demoralise the armed forces community.
The association has sought legal action against six individuals associated with the Sasthan Toll Plaza Abdul Javeed; Jagan Mohan Reddy, Babu, Toll Manager; Thimmayya, Toll Manager; Suresh, Staff; Shivanag, Staff.
Udupi deputy superintendent of police Prabhu D T, who received the complaint, stated that while certain sections mentioned in the complaint were not immediately applicable for registering an FIR, the complaint has been formally accepted at the initial stage.
He assured that notices will be issued to the staff concerned, a detailed inquiry will be conducted, and appropriate legal action will follow based on the findings. Kota police station PSI Praveen Kumar, SI Manthesh Jabagouda, members of the ex-servicemen’s association, and local activists were present during the submission of the complaint.