Puncture mafia scare on Bengaluru roads, nails strewn between Hebbal and Goraguntepalya

Bengaluru : A new threat is emerging for motorists in the Silicon City, as a suspected “puncture mafia” has reportedly begun targeting vehicles on one of the city’s busiest stretches between Hebbal and Goraguntepalya.

Over the past few days, several commuters have reported sudden tyre punctures while travelling along this stretch. Upon closer inspection, it was found that hundreds of sharp nails had been deliberately scattered across the road, raising serious concerns about public safety.

The issue came to wider attention after a video was shared by the social media handle KarnatakaPortfolio, showing nails spread across the road surface. The visuals have triggered outrage among citizens and sparked demands for immediate action.

Motorists allege that this is not a random occurrence but a well-planned racket aimed at extorting money. Suspicion has intensified as several puncture repair shops are located just a few metres away from where the nails were found. Many believe that the perpetrators are intentionally causing tyre damage to force stranded commuters to seek their services at inflated prices.

“This is clearly a planned scam. You don’t see so many nails on the road by accident. Someone is doing this to trap drivers,” said a commuter who frequently travels on the route.

The situation is particularly dangerous given the high-speed traffic on the stretch. Sudden tyre bursts can lead to loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of serious accidents. Experts warn that such incidents could turn fatal, especially for two-wheeler riders and heavy vehicles.

Citizens have strongly condemned the act, calling it a blatant attempt to profit at the cost of human lives. Many have taken to social media demanding strict action against those responsible.

“This is not just cheating, it’s playing with people’s lives. Police must act immediately and arrest those involved,” a user wrote online.

Residents and commuters have urged the police to review CCTV footage in the area, identify the culprits, and dismantle the alleged racket. They have also called for regular monitoring of vulnerable stretches to prevent recurrence.

The emergence of such illegal activities in a global tech hub like Bengaluru has raised concerns about urban safety and governance. Citizens are now looking to authorities for swift intervention to curb the menace and restore confidence among road users.

Police are yet to issue an official statement, but sources indicate that the matter is being looked into.