Sambalpur: Violent Behavior by Toll Workers on Sambalpur-Deogarh Highway; Toll Staff Beat Truck Driver, Toll Authorities File Case Against Driver
Driver Severely Beaten by Toll Employees
Sambalpur: Once again, a shocking case of misbehavior has surfaced at the Niladunguri toll gate on the Sambalpur-Deogarh highway, under Sadar Police Station limits. This time, a toll employee severely beat a driver, causing heavy bleeding from his hands. Shockingly, after the injured driver filed a police complaint, the toll authorities also lodged a counter-complaint against the driver.
How the Incident Happened
According to reports, the incident occurred around 3 PM today. Suresh Singh, a truck driver from Haryana, was traveling from Raipur to Keonjhar. When he reached the Niladunguri toll plaza, he had an argument with toll staff over FASTag issues. Soon after, a toll employee became aggressive, used abusive language, and physically assaulted the driver, leaving him bloodied.
Moreover, this is not the first time such an incident has taken place at this toll gate. Earlier too, some employees, allegedly including anti-social elements, had been involved in similar cases of assault. In one previous case, a bus owner was attacked, after which a police complaint was filed. Later, the employees apologized and withdrew. Thus, today’s case shows a repetition of the same violent behavior.
Online Sambalpur Is Now On WhatsApp!
Join us for the latest news updates delivered directly to your WhatsApp.
Subscribe Us On YouTube!
Join us for the latest news updates and video content delivered directly to you.
Poor Road Conditions, Yet Toll Collection Continues
Meanwhile, basic road infrastructure between Badrama and Jamankira remains incomplete. Large potholes have made the road extremely dangerous for commuters. There are no bus stands or passenger rest areas available, and although there should be “lay-bye” areas for trucks and other vehicles to park, no such facilities have been built. Additionally, many villages along the National Highway still lack functioning street lights. Mandatory constructions like service roads, level crossings, and drainage systems have also not been completed. Despite these serious shortcomings, toll tax collection continues, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among commuters.
Lack of Basic Facilities at the Toll Plaza
Furthermore, at the Niladunguri toll plaza, no medical facilities, toilets, drinking water, or food services have been made available, even though the plaza is operational. Often, the FASTag system fails to work properly, forcing drivers to make manual payments. At times, toll employees are allegedly seen collecting money illegally using their personal UPI IDs. As a result, constant complaints and protests from drivers have become common. Whenever drivers object to these irregularities, they reportedly face violent attacks from the toll employees.
No Response from Toll Authorities Yet
Despite repeated incidents, the toll authorities have not officially responded to the allegations. However, according to the employee Lakshman Pradhan’s complaint, he claimed that the driver became aggressive first and used abusive language during the argument over the FASTag issue.
