• Source:JND
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The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has imposed a fine of Rs 7 lakh on a toll plaza after a car driver was forced to give his gold ring for unpaid toll tax on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway in Uttar Pradesh's Pilkhua.

The NHAI project director has imposed a fine on the Chhijarsi Toll Plaza after the matter came to light following a complaint by car owner advocate Deepak Chauhan. An FIR was also filed on the orders of the Hapur SP.

What is the case?

Advocate Deepak Chauhan, a resident of Hapur's Awas Vikas Colony said that on night of June 1, Asim, who works for him, was going to pick up his younger son Gaurav Chauhan from Delhi airport in his car. At around 11:30 pm, he reached Chhijarsi toll plaza in Thana Pilkhuwa area. For some reason, the toll fee was not deducted from the FASTag. On this, the toll workers did not let the car go further.

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The toll workers asked Asim for the toll fee. After Asim denied of having any money, the toll workers took off the gold ring from his finger and kept it with themselves.

After this Asim took the car and reached Delhi airport. After returning from there, Asim informed them about the matter.

The report was filed after a complaint was made to the SP, following which he complained about the matter to NHAI officials. NHAI Project Director Arvind Kumar said in the letter issued that the investigation was conducted on the basis of the complaint made by Deepak Chauhan.

What did NHAI probe reveal?

The investigation revealed that Asim's car had reached the toll plaza on the night of June 1 and at that time there was a jam at the toll plaza for a long time. Apart from this, it also came to light that violent incidents are repeatedly taking place at the toll plaza.

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Toll plaza lanes are closed without informing the authorities, leading to jams and increased waiting times. Commuters and road users are facing a lot of inconvenience due to such incidents.

NHAI was regularly receiving complaints of misbehaviour. Based on Chauhan's complaint, a fine of Rs 7 lakh has been imposed on the toll plaza. The fine amount has to be deposited within seven days; otherwise, this amount will be recovered by encashment of performance security as per the concession agreement.