Firing at Baretha toll plaza on Gwalior-Bhind highway:Threat letter demands 6-lane road, warns of escalation

Two bike-borne miscreants opened fire at Baretha Toll Plaza on the Gwalior–Bhind highway in Madhya Pradesh and threw a threatening letter inside the toll booth. The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed at the plaza. According to police, the firing was linked to the demand to convert the highway into a six-lane road. In the letter, the miscreants wrote that the government had “gone blind” and warned that no one would die like Akash again. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation. Helmets and faces covered According to officials, two youths arrived at the toll plaza on a motorcycle from the Bhind side. Both were wearing helmets, and their faces were covered with cloth to hide their identity. After stopping the bike near the toll booth, one of them got down and walked towards the booth. Miscreant fired at computer, staff panicked The youth first threw a letter inside the toll booth. He then took out a pistol and fired at the computer installed inside. The sudden firing created panic among toll employees. After firing multiple shots, both miscreants fled from the spot on their motorcycle. CCTV footage shows the suspect getting off the bike and walking towards the booth before opening fire. Letter warns: build highway or remove toll The threatening letter demanded immediate work on converting the Gwalior–Bhind highway into six lanes or removal of the toll plaza. The letter stated:
“Build the highway or remove the toll. No one else will die like Akash Bhadauria. Politicians may have to sell their flats, but work on the Gwalior–Bhind highway must begin. If work does not start, bigger steps will be taken. The government has gone blind.” Police begin investigation, checkpoints set up Police reached the toll plaza soon after receiving information about the firing. CCTV footage from the plaza has been seized for examination. Checkpoints have been set up in nearby areas to trace the suspects. Police said efforts are underway to identify the motorcycle riders, and further action will be taken based on the investigation. 80-km highway witnesses frequent accidents The Gwalior–Bhind highway, which is around 80 kilometres long, has seen frequent accidents. Local residents have been demanding its expansion into a six-lane road for several years. Saints, public representatives, and social organisations have organised protests and submitted memorandums, raising concerns over road safety and loss of lives. Akash Bhadauria’s death mentioned in letter The letter referred to Akash Bhadauria, a 24-year-old resident of Vinod Nagar in Bhind, who died in a road accident on February 16. According to reports, Akash was travelling on a motorcycle with his elder brother towards Ater when a speeding tanker hit their bike on the bypass. Akash died on the spot, while the tanker driver fled from the scene. Protests held earlier over highway demand Protests have been held earlier over the demand to widen the Gwalior–Bhind highway and improve safety. On December 29, members of the saint community organised a one-day toll-free protest at Baretha (Malanpur) toll plaza. The protest was decided during a meeting held at Kalika Mata Temple in Bagheli Bahadurpura.