Toll Plaza Violence Erupts in Sonbhadra Over FASTag Dispute
In a disturbing incident that highlights growing tensions at highway toll collection points, the family members of a woman lawyer were brutally assaulted by staff at the Lodhi toll plaza on the Robertsganj-Chopan road in Sonbhadra. The altercation, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, stemmed from a technical malfunction involving a vehicle's FASTag system, leading to a chaotic scene that has prompted police intervention and arrests.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Robertsganj police have taken swift action following the violent episode, arresting two individuals identified as Ramji Tiwari from Hamirpur and Sarvesh Yadav from Ambedkar Nagar. The arrests came after a formal complaint was lodged by the lawyer, Aarti Pandey of Robertsganj. City CO Randheer Mishra confirmed on Monday that an FIR has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections 191(2), 109(1), 115(2), 352, 351(3), and 74. Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the attack.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Assault
The confrontation began when the toll plaza's automated system failed to read the number plate and FASTag of a vehicle, causing a significant traffic backlog. Among the vehicles stuck in the queue was the car carrying Aarti Pandey and her family members, who were traveling to Chopan. As the delay extended for several minutes with no movement in their lane, some family members approached the toll counter to inquire about the holdup.
Instead of receiving a clear explanation, they were met with hostility from the toll booth staff. Witnesses allege that the employees misbehaved and engaged in a heated exchange of words with the family. The situation quickly escalated when the toll plaza staff physically assaulted the lawyer's relatives. Throughout the ordeal, Aarti Pandey documented the incident by recording video footage on her mobile phone, which later prompted passengers from other vehicles to come forward in support of the victims.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This incident raises serious concerns about the conduct of toll collection personnel and the adequacy of grievance redressal mechanisms at such facilities. The use of violence against civilians over a routine technical issue underscores the need for better training and accountability in toll operations. As the investigation progresses, police are examining all aspects of the case to ensure justice is served and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
