The Maharashtra government has appointed senior IPS officer Deven Bharti as the new Commissioner of Police for Mumbai. A 1994-batch Indian Police Service officer, Bharti brings with him an extensive track record of handling major cases and leadership roles in the state police force.
Bharti replaces the current commissioner, taking over one of the most high-profile law enforcement positions in the country. Prior to this, he served as the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), following his promotion from the role of Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) in Mumbai.
His tenure as the Joint Commissioner began in April 2015, making him the longest-serving officer in that crucial role. Bharti’s time in this position was marked by his calm leadership and strategic policing, especially during times of heightened tension in the city.
Known for his sharp investigative acumen, Bharti has handled some of the most sensitive and high-profile cases in Maharashtra. Among these were his key roles in probing the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the murder of investigative journalist J Dey. He is also credited with leading decisive operations that significantly weakened the Indian Mujahideen’s network within the state.
His appointment as Mumbai’s Police Commissioner is seen as a strategic move by the Maharashtra government, given his proven ability to manage law and order, counter-terror operations, and complex criminal investigations.
With decades of experience and a reputation for no-nonsense policing, Deven Bharti is expected to bring stability and strategic foresight to Mumbai’s top police post at a time when urban policing faces evolving challenges in cybersecurity, organized crime, and communal harmony. His leadership is likely to strengthen public trust and reinforce the city’s security framework.