Disabled war hero asked to pay toll despite showing documents in K’taka, NHAI responds
In a shocking incident, a disabled war hero, an ex-Para SF commando, was asked to pay toll at the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, despite showing documents of exemption. The former soldier, who suffered injuries in an operation that left him disabled, claimed that he was not asked to pay toll at earlier plazas. This incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the treatment of disabled war heroes in the country.
According to the ex-Para SF commando, he was traveling through the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, when he was stopped by the toll authorities. Despite showing his documents, which exempt him from paying toll, he was asked to pay the fee. The former soldier claimed that he was not treated with the respect and dignity that he deserved, given his sacrifices for the country.
The incident has been widely reported, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has responded to the allegations. In a statement, NHAI said, “Toll fee exemption applies only to serving Army personnel on official duty.” This response has been met with criticism, with many arguing that disabled war heroes like the ex-Para SF commando should also be exempt from paying toll.
The issue of toll exemption for disabled war heroes is a complex one, with different rules and regulations applicable in different states. While some states offer toll exemption to disabled war heroes, others do not. The lack of clarity and consistency in these rules has led to confusion and frustration among those who are entitled to the exemption.
In this case, the ex-Para SF commando claimed that he was not asked to pay toll at earlier plazas, suggesting that there may be some inconsistency in the application of the rules. The fact that he was asked to pay toll at the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, despite showing his documents, raises questions about the training and awareness of toll authorities.
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the treatment of disabled war heroes in the country. Many have argued that these individuals should be treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve, given their sacrifices for the country. The fact that a disabled war hero was asked to pay toll, despite showing his documents, is a shameful reflection of our society’s values and priorities.
In response to the incident, many have called for greater awareness and understanding of the rules and regulations applicable to disabled war heroes. There is a need for greater clarity and consistency in the application of these rules, to ensure that those who are entitled to the exemption are not unfairly treated.
The NHAI’s response to the incident, stating that toll fee exemption applies only to serving Army personnel on official duty, has been met with criticism. Many have argued that this response is inadequate and does not take into account the sacrifices and contributions of disabled war heroes like the ex-Para SF commando.
In conclusion, the incident involving the disabled war hero being asked to pay toll at the Sasthan toll plaza in Udupi, Karnataka, despite showing his documents, is a shameful reflection of our society’s values and priorities. The lack of clarity and consistency in the rules and regulations applicable to disabled war heroes has led to confusion and frustration among those who are entitled to the exemption.
There is a need for greater awareness and understanding of these rules, as well as greater respect and dignity for those who have made sacrifices for the country. The NHAI’s response to the incident is inadequate and does not take into account the contributions and sacrifices of disabled war heroes like the ex-Para SF commando.
As we reflect on this incident, we must remember the sacrifices and contributions of our war heroes, and work towards creating a society that values and respects their contributions. We must also strive for greater clarity and consistency in the application of rules and regulations, to ensure that those who are entitled to the exemption are not unfairly treated.
News Source: https://x.com/NHAIROBengaluru/status/2015805264314986909
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