BENGALURU: Motorists and vehicle owners in Bengaluru have been urged to stay alert following reports of puncture gangs targeting vehicles along busy stretches of Nelamangala Road. A video circulating on social media shows nearly 1.5 kilograms of nails deliberately scattered on the roadway, reportedly by organised gangs seeking to exploit unsuspecting commuters.

According to authorities and eyewitnesses, these puncture mafias intentionally place sharp nails along high-traffic routes, aiming to puncture tyres. Once a vehicle is affected, gang members or their accomplices appear nearby, offering assistance to repair the tyre for exorbitant fees, turning the incident into a scam that preys on commuters.

How the scam works

The modus operandi of these gangs involves:re.

  1. Exorbitant charges: Commuters are charged disproportionately high fees for a service they did not need, exploiting
  2. Placing nails on the road: Sharp nails or metal objects are deliberately spread on stretches of busy roads such as Nelamangala, ensuring that passing vehicles are likely to get punctured.
  3. Immediate “assistance”: Gang members or their associates wait nearby to offer help in repairing the ty
  4.  their urgent situation.
  5. Apart from financial exploitation, these acts also pose serious road safety risks, increasing the likelihood of accidents, especially on high-speed stretches.

Public response and safety measures

Social media users have voiced concerns and urged authorities to take immediate action. Suggestions include:

  • Frequent patrols and installation of CCTV cameras to track and apprehend suspects.
  • Deployment of special vehicles or sweeping machines equipped with magnets to remove dangerous metal objects from roads.
  • Routine monitoring of accident-prone roads to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

One netizen shared a similar experience on Harlur Road, reporting multiple vehicles suffering punctures caused by nails, indicating the problem is not confined to a single road. Another user noted being punctured twice within three weeks, with both incidents caused by nails of a similar type.

Authorities on alert

Local traffic police and the Bengaluru Bruhat Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have been advised to monitor stretches prone to such activities. Vehicle owners are being warned to drive cautiously, especially in areas known for previous scams, and to report suspicious individuals or groups loitering near busy roads.

Motorists are encouraged to check tyre conditions regularly, maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead, and avoid stopping at unfamiliar or unverified puncture shops. Public vigilance remains a crucial deterrent until authorities implement preventive measures.

Conclusion

The resurgence of puncture gangs on Bengaluru roads highlights the need for coordinated action between authorities and commuters. While law enforcement steps up monitoring and preventive patrols, drivers are urged to remain cautious, avoid panic-driven decisions, and report any suspicious activity immediately. Combating this scam requires both public awareness and prompt intervention by local authorities.