Mumbai: Several cars travelling late Tuesday night on the Samruddhi Expressway from Nagpur to Mumbai were forced to stop suddenly after their tyres were punctured due to rows of sharp nails hammered into the road surface on a bridge.

A video that has surfaced on the internet shows scenes from the expressway where nails can be seen fixed in rows on the bridge. The video, shot at night, shows slow traffic moving from a lane beside, where the nails are fixed.

At first, commuters suspected foul play, fearing that miscreants had planted the nails as part of a robbery attempt. However, later, checks revealed that the nails had actually been fixed by a road construction company working on repairs in the area.

According to reports, several motorists questioned why there was no barricading or warning signage if repair activity was underway. They also demanded answers as to why the nails were placed hurriedly at night, instead of during the day, when the problem could have been addressed transparently without causing distress to commuters. The situation could have been far worse, with many pointing out that punctured tyres at high speed on the expressway could have led to major accidents or fatalities.

The Samruddhi Expressway, often described as Maharashtra’s ‘corridor of prosperity,’ has repeatedly faced criticism for recurring accidents and lapses in planning since its inauguration. Authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the incident and announce corrective measures in the coming days.

In a separate infrastructure update for Mumbai, the state government approved the relocation of Dahisar Toll Plaza, which has long been a source of traffic congestion and pollution. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recently chaired a meeting where he directed the MSRDC to shift the toll plaza near the nurseries in front of Versova Bridge.

The relocation is scheduled to be completed before Diwali, with officials instructed to fast-track the process. Once moved, the decision is expected to provide major relief for daily commuters on the Dahisar–Mira-Bhayander–Andheri corridor, where snarls have been a persistent complaint.

Mumbai: In a major breakthrough, the Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested two brothers from Telangana’s Asifabad district for allegedly stealing a INSAS rifle and ammunition from Navy Nagar, a highly sensitive defence area in the city.

The accused have been identified as Rakesh Dubla and Umesh Dubla, both hailing from the same village. Notably, one of the accused is an Agniveer (a soldier serving under the Agnipath scheme). Police have seized the stolen INSAS rifle and cartridges from their possession.

Both accused were hiding in the Naxalite area. Yesterday, around 9 pm, the Mumbai Crime Branch entered the Naxalite jungle as per Telangana SP’s guidelines to nab the duo.

According to investigators, on the night of September 6, one of the accused, dressed in a Navy uniform, gained entry into Navy Nagar. He approached a naval personnel on duty, claiming he had come to relieve him from his shift. Trusting him, the on-duty employee handed over his service INSAS rifle and ammunition. The accused then discarded them outside the compound, where his brother was waiting to collect the weapons.

After securing the INSAS rifle and cartridges, both fled to Telangana. Following a swift investigation and technical surveillance, the Crime Branch traced and apprehended them. The duo are now being brought to Mumbai on transit remand for further interrogation. Police are investigating how the accused managed to obtain the Navy uniform and whether there was any larger conspiracy behind the theft.

Ahead of the most-awaited BMC elections, the Mumbai BJP has organised a massive convention on Tuesday, September 16, where the party will launch a platform for citizens to register their demands and suggestions. “An exclusive website will be launched in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for Mumbaikars to register their issues and expectations from us, which will be included in the party manifesto for the BMC election,” said BJP Mumbai President Ameet Satam.

“The BJP karyakars will visit door to door and urge Mumbaikars to register their demands to be included in the poll manifesto. We want to give Mumbaikars a safe city and stop illegal migrants. In the last 11 years under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis, Mumbai has seen massive infrastructural development like the Coastal Road, Atal Setu and Metro, as well as an enhancement in the CCTV surveillance. Safety, security and infrastructure development are our top agenda for Mumbai,” Satam added.

In a major re-shuffle ahead of BMC elections, a three-time MLA from Andheri West and an ‘Outstanding Parliamentarian’ awardee by the President of India, was appointed as Mumbai BJP chief on August 25.

The convention on September 16 will be held in the NSCI dome, Worli and around 10,000 BJP karyakartas will be present along with CM Devendra Fadnavis and senior BJP leaders, prominently from Mumbai.

Meanwhile, in June, the BJP had declared its steering committee for BMC elections consisting of 27 members, including current and former MPs, MLAs, former corporators and Yuva morcha leaders. It is tasked to conduct a comprehensive ward-wise review and was expected to submit detailed reports to the party’s Mumbai President. “The key job of the committee is to spearhead the BJP’s election strategy. However, the said report is yet to be submitted,” said a BJP office-bearer.

A total of 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the BMC, will go for polls post-Diwali. In Mumbai, the electoral ward remains 227, similar to the last BMC elections held in February 2017. The nine-step process of ward demarcation is in process, and the BMC will notify the final ward demarcation between October 3 to 6.