The Salman Khan hit-and-run trial had the potential to serve as an example to deter drunk drivers across the nation. Instead, it has so far only served as an example of different ways to bungle an investigation. So much so that the Bombay High Court, while delivering its verdict in the case, lambasted Mumbai Police for glaring loopholes in the probe that had helped the actor walk free.

Asked why the investigators had not bothered to examine constable number 2985, who had accompanied Salman for a blood test following the accident in 2002, Mumbai Police came up with the most predictable excuse: “We are unable to trace him.”