Attack On Truck Driver Sparks 6-Hour Traffic Jam On Dhangadhra-Halvad Highway: Over 100 Police Personnel Deployed To Clear Blockage
Surendranagar: A violent altercation involving a truck driver, cleaner and a group of unidentified men posing as police officers led to a massive traffic jam lasting nearly six hours on the Dhangadhra-Halvad Highway early Wednesday morning. The incident occurred near the Soladi Toll Plaza around 5:30 AM, where the driver, transporting a load of clothing to Morbi, was stopped by the group. Claiming to be police officers, they allegedly demanded ₹500. When the driver refused, the group reportedly assaulted him and his brother.
As news of the assault spread, other truck drivers halted their vehicles on both sides of the highway in protest, creating a traffic jam stretching over 5 to 7 kilometers. The situation escalated until Dhrangadhra DySP J.D. Purohit and over 100 police officers arrived at the scene to manage the crowd and restore order. After extensive efforts, the police managed to convince the enraged drivers to disperse and the road was eventually cleared.
CCTV footage from the toll plaza captured the alleged attackers beating the driver. Witnesses say tensions rose when the injured driver attempted to record the attackers, prompting them to snatch his phone and escalate the violence. The suspects then fled the scene after damaging the truck and physically assaulting both the driver and his cleaner.
Police have detained two individuals and are investigating whether the attackers were impersonating law enforcement or had official connections. The investigation is ongoing.
