Gurgaon:Toll attendant killed in line of duty for mere Rs 27

Gurgaon, Sept 24: In a bizarre incident that shows scant regard for the value of human life, an attendant at a Toll Plaza was shot dead at point blank range by a passenger who had stopped to give the toll fees. The tiff occurred when the attendant stressed on Rs 27 to be paid and the person behind the wheel in a fit of rage pulled out his revolver and shot the hapless man.

The disturbing incident occurred at 12:30 am at Kheri Daula with the 22-year-old attendant Umesh Kumar Pandey succumbing to the bullet wounds instantly. The facts were revealed by SS Deswal, Gurgaon Police Commissioner.

The brutal murder happened when the car owners refused to pay the mandatory toll tax and wanted to be let off. The attendant stressed that they pay up and in a fit of fury, the driver pulled out a gun and fired at Umesh. The bullet is believed to have pierced his neck, making his death instant.

The police are on the lookout of the accused and they are looking into the CCTV images for further clues on the identity of the killers. Police have registered an FIR against the unidentified persons.

Maheswar Dayal, DCP, East and South Gurgaon, speaking on the incident said, "The murder happened because of non-payment of toll-tax. The video footage we have noticed shows that the assailants have shown their ID-card or driving licence and after that deceased Umeshkant lifted the toll barrier and closed his own window, asking them to leave but they still refused to leave. Then to check again he opened the window and it was then that he was shot at. We are not very clear whether it was because of non-payment of toll tax or if it was just a spontaneous burst of anger due to use of some foul language."

Dayal added, "We have examined the witnesses present during that time and recorded their statements. Special police parties have been formed and we are also doing technical investigations."

OneIndia News