The horrific killing of rationalist Dr Narendra Dabholkar and the impotent investigation so far have only laid bare the debility of the state police further. Maharashtra that was once deemed as one of the better-equipped states as far as law and order is considered, with minimal political interference, has lost most of that sheen, thanks to a series of murders of liberals and activists in recent times.

The inadequacy of cops in nabbing the killers of Dr Dabholkar has raised hackles in civil society and attracted nationwide attention. Even after releasing two sketches and sending CCTV footage to London to establish identities of the motorcycle-borne murderers, the probe has hardly seen any progress.