In a major administrative move, the Maharashtra government has appointed 1994-batch IPS officer Deven Bharti as the new Commissioner of Mumbai Police. Bharti, who previously served as the Special Commissioner of Police, replaces Vivek Phansalkar, who retired on April 30 after completing his three-year tenure.
A Trusted Aide of CM Fadnavis
Known for his sharp administrative skills and extensive experience, Bharti is considered a high-profile officer in the state police force. He has held several key positions across Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra. Notably, he served as Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) in Mumbai for one of the longest tenures in the department’s history, overseeing the functioning of all city police stations.
Experience with High-Profile Cases
Throughout his career, Deven Bharti has handled numerous high-profile cases, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and operations against Indian Mujahideen operatives. He has also served as the ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad) Chief and Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime). His close association with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is well known in political and police circles.
In January 2023, the state government created a new post of Special Commissioner of Police—modeled after a similar structure in Delhi—specifically for Bharti. He became the first officer to hold this position within the Mumbai Police Force.
A Brief Setback, Then a Comeback
Between 2014 and 2019, Bharti held several significant roles. However, during the tenure of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, he was shifted to the Maharashtra State Security Corporation (MSSC), a position seen as a demotion. Around the same time, an inquiry was initiated against him for allegedly not filing an FIR against the wife of BJP leader Haider Azam in a fake passport case. However, the Mumbai Crime Branch later gave him a clean chit, finding no substantial evidence against him.
Return to Leadership
Bharti’s return to the top post in Mumbai Police clearly signals the current government’s trust in his leadership and capabilities. With vast experience in handling both administrative and field challenges, his appointment is being seen as a strategic decision to strengthen law enforcement in India’s financial capital.