Lovers looking for privacy along Mumbai’s seashores became the target of the police once again. Commissioner of police Dr Satyapal Singh issued a circular on January 14 to 10 deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) whose jurisdiction includes beaches or seaside promenades, ordering that couples “be removed from these places and action [be] initiated against them as per law”. His reasoning: Women at isolated spots can become victims of sexual assaults at such isolated spots.

The circular contended that if a crime similar to the gang rape in Delhi takes place in Mumbai, it could lead to a sense of insecurity among citizens, which could spark protests, rallies and demonstrations, ergo, leading to a law and order problem. “Therefore, it is necessary to remove couples from such isolated spots.”

The police, however, withdrew the circular after facing flak on Thursday with a clarification that they will only patrol such spots. “The police will not ask couples to leave, but patrolling will be intensified to prevent serious offences such as rape, robbery and murder,” said DCP Ambadas Pote.

The damage, though, was already done. Youngsters who have long complained of a lack of privacy were outraged.

SatyapalismsThe circular wasn’t the first time Satyapal Singh offered a bizarre reasoning for crimes and sexual assaults. Some recent nuggets:

According to a survey, rape is more common than smoking in America—At an event discussing crimes against women

Countries with sex education in their curriculum only have an increased number of crimes against women—At an event in a media house

Those educated in English-medium [schools] are more prone to [committing] suicide—At an event earlier this month

Cops’ justification? In February 2011, a 19-year-old college student was stabbed to death, while his friend was attacked by a gang of four robbers at Bandra Bandstand. In June 2009, a couple at Bandstand was robbed and the man was slapped. The same month, an IIT graduate sitting with a friend was threatened by a gang with knives, which took away their mobile phones and ATM cards.

Where o where should lovers in Mumbai go?