We all know that the Mumbai police has a badass Twitter handle that they use to spread awareness. But did you know that after a period of 88 years, the force is all set to get a mounted horse police unit?
According to The Indian Express, 13 horses have already been trained for the unit which will oversee crowd and traffic control. The unit will have a sub-inspector, an assistant sub-inspector, four head constables and 32 riders holding constable rank.
India Today quoted Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh saying,
“A cop on a horse can work as much as 30 cops patrolling on road. The speed of the horse is also important in that case. The unit can be very useful during protests, at beaches, etc.”
The uniforms of the unit have been designed by Manish Malhotra and include a sherwani with threadwork, shoulder epaulettes, a gold sash, a cummerbund, breeches, and a Maratha warrior pagdi. The uniforms are ceremonial in nature to be worn during the Republic Day parade, reports Hindustan Times.
Regal in stature, Formidable in form, the "Mounted Police Unit" returns to Mumbai Police.
Thank you @ManishMalhotra for designing such an elegant uniform for our Riders.
Our Mounted Unit is sure to make a strong impact during law and order situations. pic.twitter.com/S0T6bcvdR9— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) January 19, 2020
NDTV quoted the designer saying,
“It feels like a full gratitude to be able to contribute in any way for the largest police departments in our country, Mumbai Police. We have designed the ceremonial uniforms of the horse-mounted police and are honored to see the officers dressed in our uniforms.”
However, Twitter voiced their doubts saying that the look was reminiscent of the colonial era. They hoped that the day-to-day uniform of the unit was designed with functionality and Mumbai’s weather in mind.
By looking at the uniform I can say that this unit will have less impact on law and order but significant impact on selfie crowd! The uniform looks more ceremonial than functional.
— Kuldip l କୁଲଦୀପ୍ (@kuldipgyaneswar) January 20, 2020
I hope this is just a ceremonial uniform and not their daily duty uniform. Don't want our heroes to look like jesters on the streets of Mumbai..
— Rexson Rodrigues (@RexsonRodrigues) January 20, 2020
Where he will keep smartphone, tablets, wireless devices.
The world has moved in technologies so ahead and you are stuck in Raja Rajwada mindset, will he fight someone with Lance if someone attacks.— News Reporter, Astrologist, پادری (@iamchetansharma) January 20, 2020
I feel for the dear policemen who will be made to wear this overdone costume in the sweltering heat..Couldn't a uniform that is user friendly and easy to use in the rapid moments of maintaining law and order on the streets have been designed? Sad👎
— Dr.Nick (@danielnikhil) January 21, 2020
This was ceremonial get up. What about law and order, combat kind of uniform? Please showcase that too.
— NandiniRCP (@nandinircp) January 19, 2020
There are a million other Tailors' who would've been more than happy to stitch something more comfortable and for such a prestigious occasion! than this over the top attire! If it is ceremonial it's fine, but for daily use, it's a No'! Wishing the new team the Best!
— Rõ Rå (@echoman911) January 20, 2020
Honestly, A uniform must strike a fear in the law breakers. This one doesn't seems to do justice to the Uniform.
— Ghurabaa (@TheGhurabaa_IN) January 20, 2020
East india company revisited..
— Rajnish Tiwari (@iammrkt) January 21, 2020
Give them electric motorcycles instead…move with the times than live in the past.
— Mahee (@SaffronSkylark) January 21, 2020
Serious east India company look or period drama guy from film set. Anyway will it survive one Mumbai summer.
— Chiranjeev (@Chiranjeev_s) January 21, 2020
What do you think of the royal uniforms? Tell us.