The swift action of the Mumbai police following the attack on film star Saif Ali Khan is commendable. Within hours, the police launched a massive operation, deploying ten teams to trace the culprit. Their investigation, which included analyzing cellphone tower records, led to the identification of the suspect’s movements towards Virar. A day later, the alleged attacker, whose face matched the CCTV footage, was apprehended.

This efficiency highlights the Mumbai police’s ability to act with precision and urgency. However, it also raises an uncomfortable question: why doesn’t this efficiency extend to cases involving ordinary citizens or politically inconvenient crimes?

The murder case of sarpanch Deshmukh offers a stark comparison. Unlike the swift action in Saif Ali Khan's case, the investigation into Deshmukh’s death dragged on for weeks. The suspects, some with alleged political connections, roamed freely across the state, including Pune, without fear of arrest. Even when media reports pinpointed their locations, the police hesitated to act decisively.

This isn’t a case of incompetence. The Mumbai police have repeatedly proven their mettle in high-stakes scenarios. From re-arresting the notorious Charles Shobraj after his escape from Tihar Jail to handling complex investigations, they have demonstrated their capability to rival the best in the world. A famous comparison once........

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