Wheelchair-Bound Ex-Serviceman Humiliated at Toll Booth, Staff Apologize After Outrage

• Commando Shyamraj, a wheelchair-bound ex-serviceman from 21 Para Special Forces and a war casualty, was stopped at Sasthan toll plaza on NH-66 in Udupi, Karnataka.
• Despite presenting his ex-serviceman ID, disability certificate, and exemption papers, toll staff Suresh and Shivraj refused to grant him exemption, leading to a viral video and social media outrage.
• Shyamraj questioned the incident, highlighting that he had crossed other toll booths without issues and expressing disappointment over the treatment.
• Toll plaza staff issued an apology, citing confusion over document verification and delayed confirmation from senior officials, eventually granting the exemption.
• Udupi SP Hariram Shankar confirmed no charges were pressed but all involved staff were counselled on appropriate conduct, especially with armed forces personnel.

Why It Matters: Toll staff apologized for humiliating a disabled ex-serviceman, highlighting the need for better awareness and respect.