HC8217;s lessons in policing

But one thing is for sure, Mumbai police could not have asked for more: a favourable verdict in the encounters case, promulgation of the Maharashtra Organised Crime Control Act OCCA and the externment ofMumbai8217;s only resident don Arun Gawli, all in the span of few days have come as great morale-booster. While the Mumbai police is already on top, what with several top gangsters killed in encounters in the last few months, it8217;s just the right time to kick-start a concerted campaign against the underworld. OCCA provides police with enough teeth to deal with the scourge of extortion by making it an unbailable offence. It also makes recorded phone conversations admissible as evidence. It8217;s time then for Mumbai police to repair its image which took a beating with a series of extortion-related killings and threats to professionals. It8217;s time also for the force to take a good hard look at their procedures and try to plug the loopholes 8211; they must bear in mind that instead of guidelines the court could well issue strictures next time.