A serious incident in Rewari district, Haryana, has raised concerns about inter-state tensions and law and order. An RTO department guard was brutally assaulted while checking an overloaded truck. The truck driver not only misbehaved with the guard but also called his accomplices to attack him.
A shocking aspect of the assault was the driver's targeting of the guard's Rajasthan origin. He reportedly said, "You're from Rajasthan, this is Haryana, why are you on the truck?" This statement has sparked debate within administrative circles.
What Happened?
The incident occurred around 5:30 PM. An RTO team stopped an overloaded truck near Rewari. The truck carried construction material exceeding the permissible limit, a clear violation of the Motor Vehicles Act. When the guard stopped the truck and asked for documents, the driver resisted.
When the guard tried to confirm the measurements by climbing onto the truck, the driver became enraged and shouted, "Why are you, a Rajasthan resident, on a truck in Haryana?" Despite the guard's attempts to de-escalate the situation, the driver called three or four accomplices to the scene.
Assault and Fear
The driver's accomplices arrived and assaulted the guard with kicks, punches, and sticks. The assault was so severe that the guard required hospitalization. Other RTO team members intervened and informed the police. Following the attack, the truck driver and his accomplices fled. Based on the guard's complaint, a case has been registered against unknown assailants under sections 147, 149, 186, 332, and 353 of the IPC.
Caste and Regional Bias?
The incident raises questions about whether the driver's anti-Rajasthan remark was a spur-of-the-moment outburst or stemmed from prejudice or caste bias. Such inter-state rhetoric not only hinders government operations but also violates the spirit of the Constitution. A Rewari RTO official stated that their team was conducting a routine check. Overloaded trucks pose a road safety hazard. The driver and his accomplices grossly violated the law by attacking the guard. Teams have been formed to arrest the culprits.
The incident has caused widespread anger among RTO employees. They argue that assaulting an official performing their duty is a serious crime. They have demanded a permanent police force for their protection, especially in areas where heavy vehicles are inspected.
