After 88 years, Mumbai Police to patrol city on horses from January 26

Mumbai : Coming 26 January, Mumbai Police will bring back patrolling via horses back in the city after 88 years gap.

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Sunday announced that 13 horses with policemen riders will be inducted into the Mumbai police force after the Republic Day parade at Shivaji Park.

In 1932, the use of horses in the city was disbanded due to growing vehicular movement on the roads.

“Today Mumbai police has modern jeeps and motorcycles. However, it was felt that a mounted police unit would be useful for crime patrol in crowded areas. Accordingly, for the first time since Independence, Mumbai will have mounted police unit,” he told reporters at a press conference.

The 13 horses which have been acquired are between the ages of 8 years and 10 years and 11 of them will participate in the Republic Day parade and then start their duties the next day with patrolling the city’s western shoreline.

After Mumbai, the unit could also be replicated in cities like Pune and Nagpur.

"At present, 13 horses have been purchased and the rest will be bought in the next six months. A stable will be built on a 2.5 acre plot at Marol (in suburban Andheri)," Deshmukh said.