2 days ago
Six Arrested After Three Highway Robberies Trigger Security Alert
Police say robbers attacked vehicles on the Samruddhi Mahamarg highway.
They allegedly put nails and sharp metal pieces on the road to puncture tyres.
The robbers then attacked people who stopped to check their cars.
One family lost jewellery, watches and money worth about Rs 18.09 lakh.
A businessman scared the attackers away by firing two warning shots into the air.
Another car carrying a very sick patient was also allegedly robbed.
Police arrested six suspected gang members and are searching for six more.
They are adding patrols, cameras and a Special Task Force to help keep the highway safe.
Three alleged robberies occurred within about 90 minutes on August 27 near Maldhon and Dushingpur.
Police say the gang scattered nails and sharp metal objects to puncture tyres before attacking motorists who stopped.
A family was allegedly robbed of jewellery, watches and Rs 84,500 in cash, with losses estimated at Rs 18.09 lakh.
A businessman fired two warning shots from a licensed firearm, while another vehicle carrying a critically ill patient was allegedly robbed.
Nashik Rural police arrested six of 12 alleged gang members after examining more than 125 CCTV cameras and seized two vehicles.
- Who
- Nashik Rural police arrested six of 12 alleged gang members; the victims included families, a businessman and occupants transporting a critically ill patient.
- What
- A gang allegedly carried out three tyre-puncture robberies, surrounding and attacking motorists who stopped.
- Where
- Near Maldhon and Dushingpur on the Samruddhi Mahamarg, within the Vavi and Sinnar areas of Nashik district.
- When
- The main report places the attacks on August 27, within about 90 minutes; another report describes them as occurring late Thursday night last week.
- Why
- Police allege the attackers exploited isolated highway stretches and motorists’ need to stop after sudden tyre punctures.
Key facts
- Reported attacks
- Three alleged incidents occurred within about 90 minutes; one report broadly refers to three or four incidents.
- Family’s reported loss
- Gold jewellery, watches and Rs 84,500 in cash, with total losses estimated at Rs 18.09 lakh.
- Arrests
- Six of 12 alleged gang members have been arrested; police are seeking the remaining six.
- Investigation
- Five teams of 10 personnel examined footage from more than 125 CCTV cameras.
- Vehicle evidence
- Two suspicious vehicles were traced through at least 18 CCTV locations and seized.
- Security coverage
- Police identified six or seven vulnerable locations for continuous patrols and round-the-clock surveillance.
- Planned measures
- A Special Task Force will be deployed, and additional CCTV installation is scheduled to begin with phased traffic blocks from August 31.
Quotes
D S Swami
Nashik Rural Superintendent of Police
“Commuters should not be scared while travelling on the highway. All necessary precautions are being taken, and police personnel will keep a close watch on the highway during the day and night.”
indianexpress.com











