Woman toll collector slapped at Kherki Daula, she hits back

Gurugram: Having already achieved the dubious tag of being one of the most unsafe spots in the city, Kherki Dhaula toll plaza witnessed another showdown on Thursday morning.

The woman toll collector rejected a driver's identification card when he was trying to pass through the toll without paying any tax. She insisted that he pay the requisite amount of Rs 65 which is a one-time payment fee.

The driver, named Rahul Yadav (26), travelling in a Maruti Alto with his friend, then slapped the woman collector before fleeing the spot, only to be arrested later. The incident occurred at around 11:50 am when the accused, a resident of Shikohpur, was stopped by the woman operator for the payment.

However, in an unlikely twist, not willing to be bogged down, she too hit him back. Before the matter escalated, the driver fled the spot. He was arrested two hours later and was charged under Sections 323 (punishment for causing voluntary hurt), 294 (obscenity) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) of the IPC.

"It is unfortunate that this incident occurred. However, we acted quickly and arrested the accused. He does not have a criminal record," said a senior police official from Gurugram police.

Notably, this is the ninth such incident when women have been targeted by drivers at this particular toll plaza. A year-and-a-half after the idea to rope in women collectors was implemented; it seems to be falling apart now as unruly drivers do not even blink twice before being violent with those women.

Toll attendants highlight that often the customers who are not willing to pay the amount argue with the toll booth attendants in order to intimidate them. Further, the ire of the local commuters who accuse the toll booth attendants of harassing them is another concern.

"A major problem is being faced in dealing with the locals. As per rules, we are not allowed to charge them. However, they have to show a proper identity. As most of the people do not carry proper identity cards, the fact that we ask them to pay makes them angry and they start abusing us or in some cases, even physically assault us," said a toll booth attendant on condition of anonymity.