Firing at Baretha Toll Plaza in Gwalior: ‘Build the Highway or Remove the Toll,’ Note Left by Helmeted Gunman

Gwalior: Panic gripped commuters and toll staff on Monday evening after two motorcycle-borne युवकों opened fire at the Baretha Toll Plaza on National Highway 719 under the Maharajpura police station limits in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

According to eyewitnesses, the accused arrived from the Bhind side on a motorcycle. One of them was wearing a helmet to conceal his identity. He approached Booth No. 7, where supervisor Rohit Kumar was on duty, and handed him a handwritten note, asking that it be delivered to the manager.

Gunfire After Delivering the Note

Before the staff could comprehend the situation, the helmeted युवक allegedly pulled out a pistol and began firing indiscriminately. Four to five rounds were reportedly fired within seconds, triggering chaos across the toll premises. Employees were seen running for cover as gunshots echoed through the plaza.

Rohit Kumar narrowly escaped injury by quickly dropping to the ground. Within moments, both attackers fled toward Gwalior on their motorcycle.

Entire Incident Captured on CCTV

The brazen act was recorded on CCTV cameras installed at the toll plaza. Footage shows the assailant confidently approaching the booth, handing over the slip, opening fire, and fleeing the scene. Police are now analyzing the footage and tracking vehicle details to identify the suspects.

Message in the Note: ‘Build the Highway or Remove the Toll’

The handwritten note left behind carried a strong warning. It reportedly stated: “Either build the highway or remove the toll.”

The message referred to the deteriorating condition of the 80-kilometre stretch between Bhind and Gwalior, citing increasing road accidents and fatalities. It also mentioned the death of a person named Akash Bhadoria, alleging negligence and warning that further inaction would lead to “bigger steps” being taken.

The note accused authorities and public representatives of apathy and demanded immediate commencement of proper highway construction.

Investigation Underway

Police have launched a manhunt based on CCTV visuals and vehicle identification clues. The helmet worn by the main accused has made facial identification difficult, but investigators are working on additional leads, including vehicle registration details and the background of the accident victim mentioned in the note.

The incident has once again raised concerns over rising boldness among criminals in the Gwalior-Chambal region. Open firing in a public space has posed a serious challenge for law enforcement, especially as such incidents have surfaced repeatedly in recent months.

Authorities have assured strict action once the accused are identified and apprehended.