The news is another debilitating blow to the standing of law enforcers, already lowered in the public eye, because of assorted culpability committed by them. A series of incidents have taken place in recent years which cast a shadow on the credibility of the men in charge of ensuring security to citizens. Charges of graft and extortion have been brought against them from time to time. But perhaps mugging was left to be tried out, which only goes to show the extent of degeneration that has taken place in the law enforcing system.

The slide in law and order has been taking its toll for a long time. Its ill effects are visible in every sphere of life, ranging from the poor investment scenario to lynching in the streets. It was the law enforcers' job to check the rot by containing criminality. Where would people turn to, if police became muggers?

The police-turned-muggers could not escape on this occasion, but it may well have been the one case that surfaced among many like the tip of an iceberg. However, the prompt police action to mop up the cops-turned-criminals merits appreciation.

There must be a quick turn-around in the situation; for, a vast majority of citizens have lost faith in the integrity and competence of police. If the cops are to restore public confidence in themselves they have to behave like policemen, not criminals.

It has now to be seen how they handle the case of police muggers in custody. It is time to act firmly and decisively against the criminals in the garb of law enforcers.