Mumbai: Mumbai has a go-getter commissioner of police in Deven Bharti (56), an IPS officer of the 1994 batch. Widely regarded as a trusted man of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis he replaced Vivek Phansalkar at the city police headquarters on Wednesday evening.
In 2023 Fadnavis had created a new post of special commissioner and appointed him. There were fears that two power centres may emerge at the top echelons of the police force. However, both Phansalkar and Bharti worked in coordination.
For the past ten years, the commissioner's post was occupied by an IPS officer of the director-general rank. To accommodate Bharti, the government downgraded the post to the rank of additional director-general rank. Bharti, is likely to be elevated to DG rank after three months.
Bharti, who hails from Darbhanga in Bihar, has deep roots in Mumbai having served as the deputy commissioner in zone VII, additional commissioner of crime branch and as the joint commissioner (law and order). In latter capacity, he interacted with all the 93 police stations spread across the metropolis. Said a police officer: "Bharti knows Mumbai like the back of his palm." He also played a crucial role as chief of the Anti Terrorism Squad.
Bharti has taken charge at a time when Mumbai is facing several problems. The communal situation is a matter of concern. The social media is full of hate posts following the April 22 massacre in Pahalgam. On Tuesday, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad took out a big morcha to protest against "atrocities" on its cadres.
Many were surprised that the VHP had to take out a march when the BJP is in power in the state. The ongoing tense situation between India and Pakistan calls for greater vigilance on the part of the city police. The agitation over the wakf (amendment) law has also created disquiet within the Muslim community.
Soon after assuming charge, Bharti swiftly moved into the action mode and convened a high-level meeting to review security arrangements for Maharashtra Day on May 1 when prime minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the WAVES event at the Jio Centre in BKC.
In his first interaction with mediapersons Bharti acknowledged the significant responsibility placed upon him by the government and pledged to serve every Mumbaikar with full dedication. He emphasized reaching out to every Mumbai citizen.
Said he “We will ensure the presence and services of the police force to reach the last person in the chain. We will strive to make our schemes accessible to every level of society.” “Effective enforcement of the law will remain our top priority.”
Recognizing the growing threat of cybercrime, he committed to strengthening the 1930 cyber helpline and enhancing the police department's technological capabilities. “The crackdown on Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in the city will continue,” he affirmed.
Bharti’s immediate review of the Maharashtra Day bandobast underscores his proactive and hands-on leadership style. His tenure begins with a clear focus on public safety, tech-driven policing, and accountability.
