The Mumbai Police’s swift action following the attack on film star Saif Ali Khan is undeniably impressive. Within hours, the police deployed ten teams, analyzed cellphone tower records, and tracked the suspect to Virar. The alleged attacker, whose face matched CCTV footage, was apprehended just a day later. This efficiency highlights the Mumbai Police’s remarkable investigative capability, but it also exposes a troubling disparity in how justice is served across different segments of society.
Swift Justice for Celebrities, Delayed Justice for Ordinary Citizens
While the police acted with precision in Saif Ali Khan’s case, their approach to other incidents paints a starkly different picture. Take, for example, the murder case of sarpanch Deshmukh. Despite credible leads and media reports identifying the suspects and their movements across the state, the investigation dragged on for weeks. Alleged political connections of the suspects seemingly deterred the police from taking decisive action, allowing the accused to roam freely.

This inconsistency isn’t due to a lack of competence. Mumbai Police has a storied history of handling complex cases with precision, earning comparisons to Scotland Yard. From rearresting the notorious Charles Shobraj after his escape to navigating high-stakes investigations, the force has proven its mettle time and again.
The Role of Leadership and Political Interference
The apparent decline in the police force’s impartiality and efficiency points to two primary factors: ineffective leadership and political interference. The appointment of Rashmi Shukla as Director General of Police has sparked criticism, with allegations that her rise is tied to her proximity to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Such perceptions of favoritism undermine the morale and credibility of the police force.
A glaring example of bias was evident in the treatment of Walmik Karad, a suspect linked to the Deshmukh murder case. Despite being arrested in an unrelated extortion case, Karad received VIP-like treatment during his detention. Beds were delivered to the police station on the night of his arrest—ostensibly for staff—but the timing raised questions about preferential treatment.
Neglect of Ordinary Citizens
The disparity in police response extends beyond high-profile cases. In Bandra, residents near Saif Ali Khan’s residence reported two intruders to the police. Despite being caught and handed over by the building’s security, the intruders were released without charges. They later returned to threaten the building’s staff, highlighting the police’s neglect of ordinary citizens’ safety.
Similarly, in Badlapur, the police’s initial apathy in addressing the sexual harassment of two young girls led to public outrage. Alleged political connections of the school involved delayed action, and the subsequent controversial police encounter of the accused fueled suspicions of a cover-up.
Selective Efficiency Undermines Justice
These incidents expose a troubling pattern of selective efficiency. High-profile cases involving celebrities or politically neutral individuals are resolved quickly, while cases involving ordinary citizens or politically sensitive issues are delayed, mishandled, or ignored. This selective approach undermines public trust, the rule of law, and the Mumbai Police’s once-pristine reputation.
A Call for Reforms
As both Chief Minister and Home Minister, Devendra Fadnavis bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring law and order in Maharashtra. Restoring public confidence in the police requires:
- Merit-Based Appointments: Leadership positions should be awarded based on merit, not political affiliations.
- Accountability: Officers must be held accountable for lapses in duty or biased actions.
- Systemic Reforms: Adequate training, resources, and a culture of impartiality and professionalism are essential to revitalize the force.
- Equality Before the Law: The government must send a clear message that the law applies equally to all citizens, regardless of social or political status.
A Turning Point for the Police Force
The Mumbai Police’s swift resolution of Saif Ali Khan’s case demonstrates its potential when it chooses to act decisively. However, the glaring disparity in how justice is delivered to ordinary citizens versus the elite reveals deep flaws in the system.
Chief Minister Fadnavis has an opportunity to address these issues and restore the Mumbai Police to its former glory. The question remains: will he seize this moment to reform the system, or will the cracks in law enforcement continue to widen?
For the police to regain credibility, they must prioritize fairness, justice, and equality above all else. The future of Mumbai’s law enforcement—and the trust of its citizens—depends on it.

Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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