Karnataka Toll Scandal: Wheelchair-Bound War Hero Denied Exemption, Sparks National Outrage

In a heart-wrenching incident that has left the nation seething, a wheelchair-bound war veteran was allegedly harassed and denied his rightful toll exemption for ex-servicemen at the Sasthan toll plaza in Karnataka’s Udupi district. The event, which occurred on the eve of Republic Day, January 25, 2026, was captured on video and has since gone viral, prompting a swift apology from the toll staff and a police-led sensitization drive [[12], [14]].

This story is more than just a dispute over a toll fee; it’s a stark reminder of the gap between policy and practice, and a test of our collective gratitude towards those who have sacrificed everything for our safety.

The Incident: What Really Happened?
The Confusion Around Toll Exemption for Ex-Servicemen
Public Outrage and the Staff’s Apology
Broader Issues Facing India’s Veterans
Conclusion: A Call for Respect and Clarity
Sources

The Incident: What Really Happened?

According to reports, the retired soldier, a former member of the elite 21st Para Special Forces, was traveling on National Highway-66 when he was stopped at the Sasthan toll plaza around 9 PM [[18], [21]]. Paralyzed from the waist down due to injuries sustained in active service, he presented his official ex-serviceman identification card, expecting to be granted the exemption he believed he was entitled to [[17]].

However, the toll staff allegedly refused to accept his ID, claiming there was no such exemption rule for personal travel. The situation escalated, with the veteran feeling deeply humiliated and disrespected. He later shared a video of the encounter online, stating, “I gave my life for this country, and this is the respect I get?” [[17]].

The Confusion Around Toll Exemption for Ex-Servicemen

The core of this controversy lies in a widespread and persistent confusion about the toll exemption for ex-servicemen. While many assume all veterans are exempt, the reality is far more nuanced.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has clarified that full toll exemption is not a blanket right for all retired defence personnel. According to official guidelines, exemptions are primarily granted for official government vehicles or for specific gallantry award winners like Param Vir Chakra or Ashok Chakra recipients [[1], [4]].

For personal travel in private vehicles, there is generally no legal provision for a complete toll waiver for ex-servicemen [[2], [7]]. This critical detail is often unknown to both the public and, as this incident shows, even to the staff manning the toll plazas. The veteran in this case may have been operating under a common misconception, which the toll staff failed to address with empathy or clarity.

Who Actually Gets a Toll Exemption in India?

To clear the air, here’s a quick breakdown of who is typically exempt from paying tolls on national highways:

Constitutional Authorities: The President, Vice President, Governors, etc.
Gallantry Award Winners: Recipients of the highest military honors like PVC, MVC, AC, etc. [[1]].
Official Vehicles: Vehicles used for official government or defence purposes.
Local Residents: In some cases, residents living within a certain radius of a toll plaza may receive discounts, but not a full exemption [[3]].

Public Outrage and the Staff’s Apology

The viral video struck a raw nerve across the country. Social media was flooded with messages of support for the veteran and condemnation for the toll staff’s perceived lack of compassion. The incident wasn’t just seen as a policy error, but as a profound failure of basic human decency towards a man who had given his mobility for his nation.

Faced with mounting public pressure, the toll plaza management issued an apology on the same night. They acknowledged the staff’s failure to handle the situation with the required sensitivity and announced that the entire team would undergo a mandatory sensitization program conducted by the local police [[14], [24]].

Notably, the veteran, demonstrating remarkable grace, has chosen not to press formal charges against the staff, stating that he hopes the incident will lead to better awareness and training rather than punishment [[21]].

Broader Issues Facing India’s Veterans

This incident at the Sasthan toll plaza is a symptom of a much larger problem. It highlights the systemic gaps in how India’s ex-servicemen are treated post-retirement. From bureaucratic hurdles in accessing pensions to a lack of public awareness about their sacrifices, many veterans feel forgotten.

Just months before this event, another ex-serviceman in Karnataka alleged assault by police over a refusal to pay a monthly “hafta” (protection money), showing a disturbing pattern of vulnerability [[22]]. These stories underscore the need for not just clearer policies, but also a cultural shift in how we honor and protect our veterans.

Organizations like [INTERNAL_LINK:ex-servicemen-welfare-in-india] are working tirelessly to bridge this gap, but public awareness and institutional accountability are crucial.

Conclusion: A Call for Respect and Clarity

The Sasthan toll plaza incident is a powerful lesson for all of us. While the specific toll exemption for ex-servicemen for personal travel may not be a legal reality, the expectation of respect, dignity, and empathetic treatment certainly is. The toll staff’s initial response was a failure on this human front, regardless of the technicalities of the rule.

Moving forward, two key actions are needed: First, the NHAI and relevant authorities must launch a nationwide campaign to clearly communicate the actual toll rules to both the public and toll operators. Second, every citizen and service provider must remember that behind every veteran’s ID card is a story of immense sacrifice. They deserve our unwavering respect, even if a toll fee is technically due.