It could not be just coincidence that car tyres would get punctured at exactly the same stretch near Silk Board junction. Nor, could it be coincidence that a “good samaritan” mechanic would be hanging around, ready to jump in, change tyres, and then demand a hefty pay.
The doubts were communicated to the police through social media and a special team was formed to investigate.
The ‘coincidences’ unravelled on Saturday, after the HSR Layout police arrested a 20-year-old man for scattering nails around the busy junction, and then extorting commuters for fixing their tyre.
Fawaz, a resident of Mangammanapalya was caught red-handed in the act by the police and residents. Police said, Fawaz would scatter nails on the busy road. He would then hover around the spot on his moped, waiting for an unsuspecting commuter to drive over them. Fawaz would then show up with tools, offer help, and then demand up to Rs. 300 for fixing the tyre.
On Saturday, a team of plain-clothed policemen observed the scam in its process, and then detained him for questioning. The police are now on the lookout for his associates.
This is not the first time the HSR Layout police have uncovered this modus operandi. Ranganath (27), an autorickshaw driver from Agara, was arrested in September last year for similarly scattering nails between Silk Board and Marathalli on the Outer Ring Road.
