Udupi, January 28: The controversy at the Sasthana Toll Plaza in Udupi district, where a retired Para Commando and former Indian Army officer was allegedly humiliated and denied toll exemption, has come to a peaceful resolution. Retired Army officer Shyamaraj (also referred to as Shyamaraj EV), a wheelchair-bound veteran from Kasaragod, has forgiven the toll staff after they publicly apologized.

The incident occurred on the night of January 25 at the Sasthana Toll Plaza on National Highway 66 in Brahmavar taluk. Shyamaraj, a former Special Forces commando who suffered injuries during service, presented valid documents entitling him to toll exemption for ex-servicemen and disabled veterans. However, the toll staff reportedly refused to grant the exemption, leading to his humiliation and the matter being highlighted in a video he shared on social media. The video went viral, sparking widespread outrage across the state and drawing attention to the treatment of military veterans.

Following the public backlash, the toll plaza staff tendered a public apology. In a fresh video statement released on the evening of January 27, Shyamaraj confirmed that he had accepted their apology.

Speaking about the matter, Shyamaraj said: “The toll staff have openly sought forgiveness from me. It is true that I felt humiliated and distressed. However, since they have apologized, I have forgiven them. If I do not forgive them, then who else will? The toll employees are like my brothers. Let us all come together and forgive them.”

He further expressed gratitude to those who supported him, stating: “Thank you to everyone who raised their voice on my behalf. You made sincere efforts to ensure justice for me. The toll staff have assured that such an incident will not recur. My salutations to all.”

With Shyamaraj’s gracious forgiveness, the controversy has reached a positive conclusion, reinforcing the call for greater respect and sensitivity toward ex-servicemen and disabled veterans at public facilities.