Protest turns violent as locals demolish wall at Galia Toll Plaza in Bajali

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 17, 2025

Tensions flared at the Galia Toll Plaza in Bhawanipur, Bajali district, on Saturday after locals staged a protest against alleged harassment and withdrawal of toll exemptions for local vehicles.

Residents claimed that four-wheelers registered in the area were earlier exempted from charges, but the benefit was recently withdrawn, forcing them to pay tolls for daily travel. The move sparked widespread anger, with hundreds of locals gathering at the plaza to demonstrate.

The protest escalated when demonstrators brought in a JCB machine and demolished a side wall near the toll booth, turning the agitation into a dramatic confrontation.

Speaking to this correspondent, Galia Toll Plaza manager Rabi Ranjan Dubey said the plaza functions under National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) guidelines. “In a democratic country, everyone has the right to protest. If anyone is aggrieved, they can lodge complaints with higher authorities,” Dubey stated.

The incident has once again highlighted long-standing friction between toll plaza operators and residents, who allege repeated instances of misbehaviour, including harassment of locals and journalists, while showing leniency towards ruling party leaders and workers.

Protesters have demanded exemption for local vehicles, legal action against toll plaza officials, and the immediate transfer of the current management. They have also appealed to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, to intervene in the matter.