Anand Mahindra reports a ‘theft’, Mumbai Police responds: ‘nostalgic heist’

The last diesel-run double-decker rolled out of BEST's Marol depot on Sep 15

Mumbai on Friday bid adieu to the last of its iconic red double-decker buses of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking. Industrialist Anand Mahindra, in a nostalgic mood, called it the theft of his “most important childhood memories.”

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the chairman of Mahindra Group wrote: “Hello, Mumbai Police? I’d like to report the theft of one of my most important childhood memories.”

His complaint was made in jest, but Mumbai Police responded to Mahindra in all earnestness, saying the department could clearly see the theft but could not take possession of it.

“We’ve received a 'nostalgic heist' report from Anand Mahindra sir,” the official X account of Mumbai Police posted. “We can clearly see the theft, but we cannot take possession of it. Those B.E.S.T cherished memories are safely kept in your heart, and among all Mumbaikars.”

We’ve received a 'nostalgic heist' report from @anandmahindra Sir!

We can clearly see the theft, but we cannot take possession of it. Those B.E.S.T cherished memories are safely kept in your heart, and among all Mumbaikars.#DoubleDecker #MumbaiMemories #BestMemories https://t.co/32L2nmzXiQ

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— मुंबई पोलीस - Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) September 15, 2023

You guys are something else…. https://t.co/biO5Ren8RJ

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) September 15, 2023

The era of red diesel-run double-deckers, introduced on the city streets 86 years ago, came to an end on Friday, September 15. New, shiny red-and-black battery-operated (EV) double-deckers have already begun to ply since February this year.

Decorated with garlands of flowers and balloons, the last diesel-run double-decker rolled out of BEST's Marol depot in the morning, and caught the eyeballs throughout the day. People were seen clicking photos and selfies inside and outside the bus.

Anand Mahindra was only one among hundreds of Mumbaikars who got nostalgic saying farewell to the iconic double-decker buses. Members of the commuter group `Aapali BEST Aaplyasathi' and a few bus lovers were present at Andheri East to bid farewell to the double-decker on its last journey.

Rupesh Shelatkar, president of `Aapali BEST Aaplyasathi', told PTI that apart from common citizens, celebrities like Junior Mehmood, a famous bollywood actor, were also present there.

(With inputs from PTI)