Nagpur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a task force to step up commuter safety on Samruddhi Expressway ahead of the festive season, when commuter numbers on the highway see a big jump.Responding to a question about the rising robbery incidents on Samruddhi Expressway, Fadnavis said the matter is being taken up on priority. “I have taken this incident very seriously. I have told the DGP to form a special task force and take strict action,” the CM said.Police announced the first breakthrough on Monday, arresting Kiran Gaikwad, described as the main conspirator among five to six men allegedly involved in the Aug 27 robbery near Sinnar. Gaikwad was arrested from Shirur taluka in Beed district and is being questioned at Vaijapur police station. The case was registered at Nashik’s Wavi police station, and four to five other accused remain at large four days after the robbery.The highway authority has begun installing special CCTV cameras and plans additional checks along the route over the next few days.Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar criticised the govt over the delay in acting on highway safety, saying that despite spending thousands of crores on the expressway, it had failed to make it safe for families to travel. “There is no fear of law. Criminals are committing robberies in broad daylight,” he said.
