A tense situation unfolded at a toll point on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway on Thursday evening when a routine toll collection dispute allegedly escalated into a firing incident, causing fear among staff and commuters. The episode, which took place in full public view, was captured clearly by the CCTV cameras installed at the toll facility, giving investigators visual evidence of how events unfolded.
Officials said the incident occurred at around 8:30 pm at the Ghamdauj toll plaza. A black Scorpio SUV without a visible number plate approached the toll barrier. According to preliminary findings, the people inside the vehicle attempted to drive through the plaza without paying the mandatory toll fee. When toll personnel stopped the vehicle and insisted on payment as per rules, a heated verbal exchange reportedly followed.
As the argument intensified, toll employees positioned at the booth blocked the SUV from moving ahead. At that point, the occupants of the Scorpio allegedly pulled out a firearm and discharged two rounds. The shots were not aimed at any individual but were fired in the air, with the bullets eventually striking a red barricade installed at the plaza for lane control and safety. Even though the firing did not target people directly, the loud gunshots created immediate panic at the site, with workers and nearby drivers momentarily fearing for their safety.
After firing the shots, the suspects quickly fled the scene in their vehicle before authorities could arrive. Soon after receiving information, teams from Gurugram Police reached the toll plaza to assess the situation. Officers secured the area, spoke to toll staff and collected the CCTV footage, which is expected to play a key role in identifying the vehicle and those involved.
A toll employee present during the incident stated that the SUV had stopped at the barrier but the occupants flatly refused to pay the toll. When staff insisted on following procedure, the situation turned aggressive and the men allegedly resorted to firing. His account broadly matches what was seen in the surveillance recordings, according to officials.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and no vehicles or critical infrastructure were seriously damaged apart from the barricade. Police have begun a formal investigation, and efforts are underway to trace the Scorpio, identify its occupants, and determine whether the firearm used was licensed. Authorities said further legal action will be based on CCTV analysis, witness statements, and forensic examination of the site.
