Politicians call the shots

In 1996, the Supreme Court, in its verdict in the case of a former director-general of police against the state, said, “The politician-police nexus should end.” Twelve years later, the nexus remains a point of debate.

Whether it is the ruling Congress-NCP combine or the opposition Shiv Sena-BJP alliance, politicians are candid in admitting that officers in key positions are always handpicked to suit their political masters.

Not surprisingly, whenever a new police commissioner is appointed the debate in the corridors of power is whether he belongs to the Congress or the NCP.

Senior officers admit that the police force has been often misused by politicians to spy on political rivals and influence or sabotage important criminal cases that could hurt the interests of those in power.

Transfers and postings are also a way for politicians to make quick money.

Politicisation of the police has lead to factionalism within the force, with different groups working at cross-purposes to serve their respective masters.