2 detained for attacking family at toll naka

Four days after the staff of the toll naka between Mumbai and Manor assaulted Vasantrai Gohil, 59, a Malad (East) resident, the Virar police have detained two of the six men identified by the victim's family.

Four days after the staff of the toll naka between Mumbai and Manor assaulted Vasantrai Gohil, 59, a Malad (East) resident, the Virar police have detained two of the six men identified by the victim's family.

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Gohil was operated at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Andheri (West) for a fractured hipbone. He was allegedly attacked with iron rods when he demanded Rs 3 change that was due to him.

Hindustan Times had reported on January 8 about how the men at the tollbooth had assaulted the Gohils when they asked for their money back. Although the incident took place on January 5, it was only after the newspaper report that the police approached the victim and his family to record their statements.

“Based on the information given by the victim, we have registered an offence against six persons. The Gohils have identified only two who have been detained,” said Yusuf Bagwan, inspector, Virar police station. “We have called the victim’s family to identify the other four who were involved in the fight.”

Doctors at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital said Gohil’s operation was successful. However, it would take him around a month to recover and walk again.

Gohil’s son, Vijay, 26, will also have to undergo an eye operation for a retinal tear and detachment. “I have lost partial vision in my right eye. A vitrectomy will be carried out on Thursday at Aditya Jyoth Eye Hospital,” said Vijay.

“Our medical expenses are around Rs 5 lakh. We want IRB Infrastructure Developers Pvt Ltd [the firm that manages the toll naka] to compensate us.”

According to Vijay, the issue wasn’t only about the change that the staff refused to return.

“The toll fee is Rs 47. Around one lakh vehicles pass from the toll naka every day and if they refuse to pay every motorist the Rs 3 change then it amounts to Rs 3 lakh a month. They are making Rs 15-20 crore by not returning the change,” he said.

Nitin Bansode, chief toll officer, said, “IRB is a reputed company. We take change on

commission to give it to motorists and hence the question of not returning the money does not arise.”