India, Sept. 1 -- Taking cognisance of a spate of violent highway robberies on the Samruddhi Mahamarg, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered the formation of a Special Task Force (STF) to curb such incidents.

According to police, four recent incidents particularly on the 49-km Sinnar-Maldhon-Dushingwadi stretch, including three reported on August 27-28, add to over 15 highway robberies in two years.

"It is a serious matter that robbers are operating on Samruddhi highway. We have formed a task force which will arrest robbers and patrol the stretch," Fadnavis said.

Modus operandi

The gangs allegedly scatter nails, sharp metal pieces or other hard objects on the carriageway to puncture tyres or damage vehicles. As soon as motorist...