‘Treated like criminal’: Video of police action on man questioning collection at Arikady toll viral
Kasaragod: A video showing police allegedly manhandling a vehicle user who questioned toll collection at the Arikady toll gate in Kumble has gone viral on social media, triggering sharp criticism and allegations of police excess.
Toll collection at the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) toll gate in Arikady was resumed on Wednesday after the Kerala High Court adjourned the hearing on a petition challenging the levy. However, resistance to the toll continues among vehicle users in the region.
According to local accounts, the incident occurred on Wednesday evening when a man travelling with his family questioned toll staff about the collection. Police personnel who intervened allegedly pulled him out of the car and manhandled him in full view of his family members. Those present accused the police of treating the man like a criminal for merely raising questions over the toll.
A video clip of the incident has since spread widely on social media, with several users alleging human rights violations and misuse of force by the police.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) Manjeshwara unit has also accused the Kumble Police of assaulting the man in front of his family for questioning the toll collection. The unit announced plans to stage a protest outside the Kumble Police Station on Thursday evening in response to the incident.
The Kerala High Court had been expected to deliver its order on Wednesday on the legality of toll collection at Arikady. However, the hearing was adjourned to February 11 after the counsel representing NHAI failed to appear before the court. During the proceedings, the court reportedly raised questions over shortcomings in the actions of NHAI and sought an explanation for the hurried implementation of toll collection at the site.
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Arijit Singh likely to launch new political party: Reports
New Delhi: The music industry is abuzz with fresh speculation days after singer Arijit Singh announced that he would step away from taking new playback singing assignments.
According to a report by NDTV, the popular singer is now being linked to a possible entry into politics. Sources cited by the portal claim that Arijit is seriously considering exploring political work, beginning at the grassroots level. A source from the Bengali film industry told NDTV that while the singer is unlikely to contest the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, he may be thinking about forming his own political party in the future.
Arijit Singh, who hails from Jiaganj in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, has long been known for maintaining a low profile despite his immense popularity. The report suggests that his alleged interest in politics may be driven by his roots and a desire to contribute beyond music. However, the singer has not made any official statement confirming these reports.
The speculation comes shortly after Arijit announced his decision to stop taking new playback singing assignments. In a post shared on Instagram on Tuesday evening, he thanked listeners for their continued support and said he was calling time on his journey as a playback vocalist.
“Hello, Happy New Year to all. I want to thank you all for giving me so much love all these years as listeners. I am happy to announce that I am not going to be taking any new assignments as a playback vocalist from now on. I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey,” he wrote.
Arijit also clarified that he would complete his pending commitments and that some releases may still come out this year. He stressed that he was not quitting music altogether and would continue to learn and create independently.
Over the past decade, Arijit Singh has been one of the most influential voices in Hindi cinema, delivering several chart-topping songs including Tum Hi Ho, Channa Mereya, Agar Tum Saath Ho, Raabta, Kesariya, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Tera Yaar Hoon Main and Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage. He was also expected to feature in Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming film O Romeo. His most recent release is Ghar Kab Aaoge from Border 2.
As of now, neither Arijit Singh nor his representatives have responded to the reports linking him to a political foray.
