An intelligence failure, delayed police intervention and lack of a contingency plan allowed the Oct 27 protest over Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Pradeep Purnekar’s murder to escalate into a highway blockade at Manpada, leaving thousands of commuters stranded for hours. Affected landowners and farmer representatives have demanded clear written assurances on market valuation and fair compensation norms before field surveys or land acquisition proceed.