Are police the right instrument to handle riots? February 2, 2021, 8:11 PM IST Prof. Sharma is Director IIM Rohtak and Professor on leave from IIM Ahmedabad The recent events at Red Fort on 26th January 2021 shall go a long way in determining the state of affairs of law and order in India. It was a painful site to see the police personnel being attacked by the citizens with brutal force. The patience and tolerance of a police personnel must be appreciated. However, what is the impact of such perceived police inactivity (PPI) on the future of law and order in the country remain to be fully understood. Past research in this domain states that perceived police inactivity results in increased level of crime. The events of 26th January 2021 particularly as they pertain to the Red Fort siege demonstrate mobocracy. Are regular police the right instrument to even handle such mobs is question that remains unanswered?