Pune's 'Puncture Mafia' Resurfaces: Extorting Thousands from Drivers

• Puncture mafias are active again on Pune's Baner-Sakal Nagar road, targeting drivers for extortion.
• The gang operates by stopping vehicles, claiming low tire pressure or a puncture, and directing them to their affiliated shops.
• At the shop, they deliberately puncture tires, exaggerate damage, and charge exorbitant fees for repairs and unnecessary chemical treatments.
• Office workers in a hurry and women drivers traveling alone are specifically targeted by this organized gang.
• Even a police officer was defrauded; previous crackdowns by authorities had temporarily suppressed these gangs.