Concerns are rising about an active mafia suspected of scattering piles of nails on Bengaluru’s streets to deliberately puncture vehicle tyres. This suspicion gained traction after traffic police discovered and removed handfuls of nails from the Kuvempu Circle underpass in Jalahalli. The incident, documented in a viral video, has sparked widespread alarm and discussion.
Rumours have long circulated about nails being strewn on roads to cause vehicle punctures. The recent discovery by the traffic police appears to confirm these suspicions. Numerous vehicles have suffered punctures throughout the city, leading to a noticeable surge in business for nearby puncture repair shops.
The Bengaluru Traffic Police, while conducting a routine check, found heaps of metal nails at the Kuvempu Circle underpass and immediately cleaned the area. A video showing traffic police officers sweeping the road was uploaded on social media platform X, where it quickly gained attention and went viral.
Bengaluru Cops seen cleaning up road swamped with metal nails.
They took this up after motorists complained of back to back punctures at the spot. pic.twitter.com/T3rzqdOo5v
— Karthik Reddy (@bykarthikreddy) July 28, 2024
In response to the discovery, the police have intensified their efforts to ensure road safety. The officers collected the nails, believed to have been deliberately thrown on the road to cause tyre punctures, making the area safer for commuters. However, the police have cautioned the public to remain vigilant, as more nails could still be scattered elsewhere.
The viral video elicited a range of reactions from netizens. Many praised the police for their swift action, while others condemned the perpetrators for causing such disruptions. Some users speculated that nearby puncture repair shops might be behind the act, hoping to boost their business. The police are also investigating this angle.
According to sources, the persons who do puncture work throw nails on roads. They follow from long distances, always keeping an eye on the road. Suppose a vehicle gets punctured; they go in an autorickshaw offering mobile puncture service on the spot. The vehicle owner pays them a hefty 120-150 for motorcycles while charging 200-250 for cars. During the night, their charges would be double. The punctured was posing as innocent and offered help at night, saying, fortunately, they were going to their home after finishing work at another place.
The vehicle owners urged the police authorities to check the CCTV footage to find the mafia behind it and to take stringent action against the culprits.
The incident highlights the need for enhanced surveillance and community cooperation to prevent such malicious activities. The police have assured the public that they will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary actions to apprehend those responsible.
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