One of the most striking statements from the reportage on the case where a BMW hit a scooter and a fishmonger lost her life, is that of the dead woman’s husband doubting whether justice will be served. This is because the accused, who had been absconding and was arrested three days after the incident, is the son of a politician, and through that prism, has connections. The husband claimed they are big people—to use local lingo—and may get away.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has repeatedly assured citizens that justice will be done and the guilty will not be spared. “The law is equal for all and the government sees every case in the same way. There will be no separate rule for this accident. Everything will be done as per the law,” he had said when asked about the case.