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

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.”
Mahindra continued the exchange by applauding Mumbai Police.

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.