MLA's Son Slaps Toll Worker in Agra, Viral Video Sparks Outrage
A heated altercation at the Raybha toll plaza on the Southern Bypass in Agra escalated into a physical assault on Tuesday afternoon when the son of Fatehpur Sikri MLA Chaudhary Babulal was asked to pay the toll fee. The incident, which occurred around noon, was captured on CCTV cameras, and video clips later went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and condemnation.
Details of the Toll Plaza Incident
According to reports, Suresh Chaudhary, the MLA's son, was traveling towards Mathura in a black vehicle bearing a 'Vidhayak' (MLA) sign. Toll staff lowered the boom barrier for verification, citing the absence of a FASTag. An argument ensued, during which Chaudhary allegedly stepped out of the vehicle and slapped a toll employee. Another person accompanying him attempted to intervene and de-escalate the situation, but the confrontation intensified.
Toll plaza staff and the manager later intervened, after which the vehicle was allowed to pass. Two purported CCTV clips—one 42 seconds long and the other 56 seconds—showing the incident have been widely circulated online, fueling public outrage and debates over privilege and accountability.
Police Response and Compromise Letter
Police said the toll worker did not file a formal complaint initially. Devendra Kumar Dwivedi, SHO of Achnera Police Station, stated that when police contacted the toll employee later that night, he submitted a compromise letter. The letter indicated that the dispute arose during verification, that both parties were relatives, and that the matter had been amicably resolved. He also stated that he did not wish to pursue any legal action, raising questions about potential pressure or influence in the case.
MLA's Allegations of Misbehavior
Meanwhile, MLA Chaudhary Babulal alleged misbehavior by the toll staff. He said Suresh Chaudhary was returning from a cold storage facility to Kiraoli when toll workers demanded payment. "When he identified the vehicle as belonging to the MLA, the staff allegedly began behaving abusively, which led to the dispute," the MLA claimed, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative and highlighting tensions between public officials and service workers.
The incident underscores broader issues of road safety, toll collection protocols, and the conduct of individuals in positions of power. As the video continues to circulate, authorities are monitoring the situation closely, though no formal charges have been filed due to the compromise letter. Public reaction remains divided, with many calling for stricter enforcement of laws to prevent such altercations in the future.
