Since March, Bhandup has witnessed eight murders, over 10 attempt to murder cases, and hundreds of incidents of assault, forcing the police's top brass to act against inefficient officers within the force, starting by shunting the local senior inspector out. The measure, though needed, is short term at best. An extensive report in this paper traced the roots of Mumbai's new gangland. From illicit liquor brewing to the burgeoning of slumlords, the story of Bhandup's rot runs deep.

In fact, different evils stemmed from original, unchecked problems that have become entrenched in the system. Slumlordism spawned prostitution, goondaism and other ills. Through the years it became a free-for-all, with an endless cycle of political thuggery, violence, intimidation. There needs to be iron will now to smash the different criminal hubs operating in the suburb, and a mammoth clean-up activity has to begin. It is vital, because ganglands do not exist or function in isolation. Bhandup's nefarious activities will influence areas close to it and no doubt already has an impact on the city.