Watching this Netflix docudrama based on the robbery, gang rape, and murder that occurred in December of 2012 on a bus in Munirka (a suburb of South Delhi). A very interesting story, well presented, it shows not only how police were able to successfully identify and arrest those involved, but how poorly citizens are served when law enforcement isn't funded as well (per capita) as we are here in the West. The cultural norms of the country are certainly on display and they provide some fascinating contrasts.

Watching the poorly equipped officers attempting to identify, locate, and arrest the offenders provides insight as to how things could be here if police were "defunded" to this degree. Several times during the series, those involved remark about how common violent crimes like this occur, but are shrugged off by not just the cops but the general populace as nothing new. Students rallied in support of the two victims, but will expressed anger at protests really result in better law enforcement if funding isn't provided to actually enable the police to meet new expectations? And how will such funding be provided?

The vast majority of the residents (including cops) live in extreme poverty. While it's clear that some forensic capabilities are available, they're vastly outweighed by the demand. Most "ordinary" gang rapes, murders, robberies, etc..., go unsolved according to many of those portrayed in this incident, because the culture is unresponsive, the resources too few and spread out too far. The prevalence of burned out and unresponsive cops is probably as "normal" here as polluted streets and waterways. You can almost smell the human waste and despair.

It's a depressing series to watch, but I'd still recommend doing so, if only because it can be seen as a cautionary tale. Do we want America to become like this???

I recall when that incident occurred. A most heinous crime by any standards.

It was very surprising that they were able to successfully identify and arrest those involved within a week of the crime being committed given that there were six assailants, several of whom fled to areas quite distant from the jurisdiction where the crime occurred. The interactions of the South Delhi cops with their counterparts in the areas where the suspects were believed to be were quite accurately portrayed in my experience. Cops everywhere seem to be quite defensive about their home turf.

Several things made me chuckle. The female DSP's subordinates referring to her as Madam Sir had me rewinding to ensure that I had heard the dialog correctly. Then there was the most unusual protocol for escorting prisoners which eschewed the use of handcuffs and instead substituted handholding of the type you would engage in if you were on a date. My jaw dropped when they were sneaking into the station through the back alley to avoid protesters after capturing Jai Singh. After jumping the back fence, the officer escorting Jai grabbed his hand, interlaced their fingers and walked hand-in-hand into the station with him. The same technique was used subsequently on numerous occasions so it would appear to be SOP.

Thanks for the recommendation.