Tragedy struck at a toll plaza in Madhya Pradesh as two employees lost their lives in a chilling attack allegedly stemming from a toll tax dispute. Srinivas Parihar from Agra and Shivaji Kandele from Nagpur drowned in a well while attempting to escape masked gunmen during the assault. Their bodies were recovered from the well the following day.
The incident unfolded around 10 pm on Tuesday at the Dagrai toll plaza on National Highway – 44. CCTV footage captured masked assailants arriving on motorcycles and forcefully entering toll booths. They vandalized property, assaulted staff members, and fired shots into the air, prompting panic among the employees.
In a bid to flee, some of the toll plaza staff dashed into an adjacent field. However, tragedy struck when Parihar and Kandele accidentally fell into an uncovered well while evading their attackers, ultimately meeting a tragic demise.
Reports suggest that the attack may have been orchestrated due to a dispute arising from the change in toll plaza contractors on April 1. Allegedly, some locals had enjoyed exemptions under the previous contractor, but the new contractor refused to accommodate similar arrangements, leading to tension and ultimately culminating in the violent assault.
Law enforcement officials have initiated an investigation into the incident, registering a case against unidentified perpetrators. Toll taxes serve as vital revenue for the maintenance of infrastructure such as expressways, bridges, and tunnels, with charges varying based on vehicle size.
The harrowing events at the Madhya Pradesh toll plaza serve as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring security and resolving disputes through peaceful means, safeguarding the lives and well-being of all involved.