B'luru: ‘Puncture Mafia’ menace near BEL Circle; public outrage as traffic police remain silent

A silent yet dangerous ‘puncture mafia’ is giving sleepless nights to vehicle owners commuting near Bengaluru’s BEL Circle. For hundreds of motorists, the risk of getting a flat tyre on this stretch has become routine, with many reporting punctures two to three times a week. Locals allege that miscreants deliberately scatter sharp objects like nails and metal shards at night to puncture tyres, forcing stranded drivers to seek help from nearby puncture shops, often run by the same gang or their affiliates.

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The worst part is that residents claim that the entire racket operates without any fear of law enforcement. Despite repeated complaints and ample evidence of intentional sabotage, the traffic police have failed to curb the menace. Motorists question why the department, responsible for ensuring safe roads, continues to turn a blind eye to this open exploitation.

Adding to the fear is the suspicion that some gangs use puncture scams as a cover for more serious crimes like night-time robbery. Several people travelling late at night have reported feeling unsafe when forced to stop in poorly lit areas.

Frustrated citizens now demand a crackdown on these anti-social elements and strict action against the puncture mafia. They also want traffic police officials held accountable for their inaction and want surveillance cameras installed in vulnerable spots. If ignored any longer, the situation could escalate into more serious threats for commuters.