"In 1998 alone, there were 63 encounters that left 85 gangsters killed," Mr Maria explained. "Because of this preventative action, gangsters fled abroad. Gangs broke up. But now these gangs operate from abroad, and outsource their Mumbai work to 'robber gangs' in the city, who specialise in executing crimes -- extortion, robberies, kidnappings, etc.-- for a price, 'no questions asked'."

Pointing to Mumbai's sheer immensity, Mr Maria said the city 'affords great anonymity', which makes it impossible to keep track of who is coming and going.

These robber gangs are often populated by such transients: poor, rural youth who had migrated to Mumbai in search of jobs. "Everyone thinks of Mumbai as 'the Golden Apple', so they come here. And when they don't find employment, invariable these youths find it more lucrative to enter the criminal word. This is why robberies have increased." 

Maria mentioned that many members of the 'robber gangs' come from West Bengal, Bangladesh, Orissa and Bihar.

There's also a new breed of professional criminals, who are based elsewhere but specialise in committing crimes in Mumbai. They arrive, strike and then quickly leave the city and head elsewhere.

To illustrate this point, Mr Maria related a tale about a burglar who stayed at five-star hotels while doing reconnaissance. To identify such a person as a burglar is very difficult, he explained.