War Hero Stopped at Karnataka Toll? Specially-Abled Army Officer Alleges 'Harassment' on R-Day Eve | VIDEO

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specially-abled former Special Forces veteran was allegedly harassed and denied passage by staff at the Sastan Toll Booth near Udupi, Karnataka, on the eve of Republic Day. Ex-Para Commando Shyamraj EV, a veteran of the elite 21 Special Forces, released a video statement, sharing his experience, while asking questions to Union minister Nitin Gadkari over the incident.

What Happened With Ex-Special Forces Veteran?

The incident occurred late at night on January 25 (Sunday) when Shyamraj, a war casualty who was left paraplegic following injuries sustained during "Operation Parakram", was travelling with his family regarding his wife's posting. In the video statement, the veteran showed several official documents, including an "exemption toll taxes letter" from the Army Headquarters, which certified his exemption from toll taxes and other levies under the Indian Tolls Act, and a "Battle Casualty Certificate". He was seen saying, "I have passed through every toll plaza without issue, but here at the Sastan toll booth, Mr Suresh and Mr Shivanath are telling me they will not let me go without paying."

Watch His Video Here

He is from Special Forces of Indian Army @adgpi … Pride in his eyes for the Nation is unmissable but the helplessness in his tone tells a different storyJai Hind 🇮🇳@NHAI_Official @nitin_gadkari please look into this pic.twitter.com/3VirALhITn

— KJS DHILLON🇮🇳 (@TinyDhillon) January 26, 2026

He further expressed anger and frustration over the treatment he faced at the toll plaza, stressing how he was treated just the day before the Republic Day, noting the irony. Pointing to him sitting on a wheelchair, he asked, "Why am I sitting in this wheelchair? You tell me"._{Also Read: Davos Hustle Meets Delhi Delay: Why Karnataka's Leadership Face Clock Ticks}

Asked Questions Urged Minister Nitin Gadkari To Take Action

Shyamraj further appealed to Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, to look into the matter. "Is there any meaning to me sitting in this wheelchair if a war casualty is treated this way?" he asked in the video.

Toll Staff Issues Apology

After the video went viral, the staff at the toll plaza issued an apology. SP Hariram Shankar said that the ex-serviceman involved has not pressed any charges, according to a TOI report. In an apology video, the SP said, "All staff members involved were summoned to the police station and sensitised on appropriate conduct, especially while dealing with ex-servicemen and serving Armed Forces personnel."The toll staff said that the incident was reported at around 9 pm. "He gave his ex-serviceman ID. We said that there is no exemption. He gave the disability ID. We gave it to our seniors, but the response was delayed. Later, we gave an exemption and apologised. We apologise for hurting the officer," the toll staff told TOI.