In the past, they have been in the news for harassing citizens, but a recent spate of incidents have seen Mumbai Police at the receiving end of abuse. Yesterday, this paper carried a report of an inebriated 35-year-old model who lashed out at cops at Versova police station.

She attacked several officers, including the women, but the police swallowed the humiliation and did not retaliate. They held back in fear of action against them and the fear of public criticism.