Pramesh S Jain
Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority member Mohan Kumar Danappa has written to the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner urging strict action against miscreants allegedly spreading iron nails on public roads to damage vehicles and extort money from motorists.
In his letter,Danappa stated that Bengaluru,being one of the most densely populated cities in the state,witnesses lakhs of vehicles plying daily for office work,business, emergency services and other purposes.
However,some puncture shop owners and anti-social elements are allegedly taking advantage of the situation by scattering iron nails on busy roads,flyovers, underpasses and other high-traffic areas to intentionally cause tyre punctures.
According to the complaint,motorists are then forced to visit nearby puncture repair shops,where they are allegedly charged exorbitant amounts for repairs.
Danappa warned that such acts not only amount to cheating and public harassment but also pose a serious threat to road safety,increasing the risk of accidents.
The letter further highlighted the danger posed to emergency vehicles such as ambulances,fire service vehicles and police patrol vehicles.
Delays caused due to punctures could result in loss of lives and affect disaster and emergency response operations,he noted.
Danappa also pointed out that citizens have repeatedly raised concerns over the issue on social media and through independent awareness campaigns,while several national media outlets have reported on the so-called “nail mafia.”
He alleged that such activities are being carried out openly even near certain police station limits.
Seeking immediate intervention,he urged the police commissioner to identify and take legal action against those involved in spreading nails on roads for unlawful monetary gain.
He also requested police officials to issue strict warnings to puncture shop owners and maintain close surveillance on such activities across the city.
