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Deven Bharti Appointed Mumbai Police Commissioner
In a high-profile administrative change, senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Deven Bharti has officially taken over as the new Commissioner of Mumbai Police. This appointment marks a significant return to operational leadership for Bharti, who previously served in multiple strategic and investigative roles within Maharashtra’s law enforcement setup.
A 1994-batch IPS officer, Bharti brings a storied career to the role. He has served as Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime), and also held the position of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) during critical periods in Mumbai’s history. He is well-known for his role in handling the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and played a key part in the investigation that led to the conviction and execution of Ajmal Kasab.
The timing of his appointment comes amid evolving law and order challenges in India’s financial capital, ranging from cybercrime and narcotics enforcement to communal tensions and high-profile security threats. Bharti’s background in counterterrorism, especially his tenure as head of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad, makes him a strategic fit for the job.
The government has entrusted him with the task of modernizing Mumbai’s policing strategies, particularly with the integration of technology in surveillance, crime mapping, and response systems. His reputation for operational efficiency and integrity is expected to bring stability to the city’s policing framework.
As he assumes charge, Deven Bharti has signaled a focus on public safety, crime prevention, and building public trust. His leadership is expected to prioritize swift responses to urban crimes, enhanced police-public interaction, and reinforcing Mumbai’s readiness against emerging security threats.
Bharti replaces Vivek Phansalkar, who retired after a distinguished 35-year career. The transition is being viewed as a move aimed at strengthening Mumbai’s administrative and intelligence apparatus under a seasoned hand.
