Rise in Steel Robberies in Navi Mumbai Sparks Mafia Allegations

Steel traders in Navi Mumbai are grappling with an alarming increase in highway robberies, with significant financial losses reported during the transportation of consignments. Traders allege that a mafia network involving scrap dealers is behind the robberies, and they accuse the police of inaction despite repeated complaints.

The issue has been spearheaded by Deepak Singh, a trader-activist who has been advocating for action against these thefts since 2022. Singh’s latest plea follows a brazen robbery on November 16, when an 18-wheel trailer carrying 33 metric tonnes (MT) of steel, valued at ₹23 lakh, was hijacked near the Uran-Phata flyover on the Sion-Panvel Highway. The gang of four, travelling in a Wagon R, stopped the trailer under the guise of a collision. They assaulted the driver and cleaner before stealing the vehicle. Although the trailer was later traced to Thane, the steel consignment remains unaccounted for, and the culprits are still at large.

Singh highlights a disturbing trend: “In many cases, the drivers are complicit, but when they resist, they face physical assault. Initially, 1 MT of steel would go missing from consignments, but now entire trailers are being hijacked.” He claims that a mafia of scrap dealers orchestrates these robberies, selling stolen steel at lower rates, undercutting the market. Traders are also concerned about the legal loopholes that enable the resale of stolen steel. “Steel cannot be sold without proper documentation. Authorities need to investigate scrap dealers who operate without licenses and possess stolen goods,” urged another trader.

Singh further questioned the lack of robust protection for the steel sector, which contributes significantly to the economy and pays 15% GST. He cited a 2022 incident where his steel consignment worth ₹19 lakh was stolen. Although the trailer was recovered, ₹5 lakh worth of material remained missing, forcing him into losses. DCP Zone 2, acknowledged the complaint and assured, “We will look into the matter and conduct a thorough investigation.” The growing prevalence of such thefts has underscored the need for stronger enforcement measures and a crackdown on the alleged scrap dealer mafia to restore faith among traders and secure Navi Mumbai’s industrial ecosystem.