2 hours ago
Shamaraj, Disabled War Veteran, Denied Toll Exemption At Udupi Sastan Plaza
On this Special Report, the focus is on an incident at the Sastan Plaza near Udupi, Karnataka, involving Shamaraj, a decorated former para commando and double amputee. Shamaraj, a war casualty of Operation Parakram, expressed his frustration after being stopped and asked to pay a toll despite presenting documents. He stated, 'I am a war casualty of Operation Parakram... why am I sitting in a wheelchair? You tell me.' While Shamaraj claimed he had passed other tolls without issue, staff at the Sasthana toll booth insisted on payment. The Highway Authority of India (NHAI) defended the action, citing the rule book which stipulates that toll exemptions apply only to serving army personnel on official duty, not ex-servicemen. Reports suggest the exemption letter produced was in the name of his wife, Sivapriya, who was not present. The veteran has called upon Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to address the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by disabled ex-servicemen at national highway tolls.
