There are many aspects to consider. J B Gohil, in charge of the mounted police training academy in Ahmedabad, says: “If Mumbai is looking at mounted police, they will need to budget for stable management, buying well-bred horses, training and proper food. It takes 41 weeks to transform a horse into a police horse.”

“On Mumbai’s roads of tar or cement, there is a possibility of horses slipping. Also, crowds can be aggressive. But if trained well, a horse squad can help patrol grounds and lanes between buildings,” said former DGP K P Medhekar.

Another former DGP, Arvind Inamdar, said: “A study is necessary. Aggressive crowds in Mumbai can make it difficult for mounted police.”

It was during Inamdar’s tenure that the Nashik Academy got half a dozen horses. “A horse is a great asset in police training. It helps a trainee learn how to control a mob, gives him courage and presence of mind.”