Deven Bharti, a 1994-batch IPS officer, has been appointed as the new police commissioner of Mumbai by the Maharashtra government, following the retirement of the previous commissioner, Vivek Phansalkar, on Wednesday. Bharti, who had been serving as the Special Commissioner of Mumbai Police, is scheduled for promotion to the Director General (DG) rank in August. He is expected to retire in 2028.
Bharti, 56, has earned a reputation as a trusted officer, particularly among Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. His career includes significant roles in law enforcement, including serving as the Joint Commissioner of Law and Order during Fadnavis’s first term as Chief Minister. He is known for his experience and expertise, especially in the areas of crime and law enforcement.
The Maharashtra government’s decision to appoint Bharti as Mumbai Police Commissioner comes at a time when the traditionally held post was previously filled by officers of the Director General rank for over 15 years. In an unusual move, Bharti, who holds the rank of Additional Director General (ADG), will take on the post despite it being downgraded to accommodate an officer of the ADG rank. This shift is expected to have implications for the Mumbai Police structure, but authorities argue that the change is in line with precedents set in other states, including Delhi, which also has special commissioner roles.
A Storied Career in Law Enforcement
Bharti hails from Darbhanga in Bihar and completed his Master’s degree from the prestigious Delhi School of Economics. He began his law enforcement career in Mumbai, where he served in various key roles including as DCP in Zone 7 and DCP in the Crime Branch. His career progressed rapidly, with Bharti later becoming the Additional Commissioner of the Crime Branch and the Joint Commissioner of Law and Order during the tenure of the BJP-led government.
Bharti also served as the Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) in Maharashtra and headed the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), playing a vital role in maintaining law and order in the state. In 2020, during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, he was transferred to the state security corporation as Additional DG, a decision that followed a series of internal inquiries and offences, all of which have since been cleared.
His appointment to the position of Special Commissioner in December was initially met with opposition, but it was ultimately approved by the state government after drawing comparisons with other states that have similar posts.
Looking Forward to the Future of Mumbai Police
While Bharti is set to take over the responsibilities of Mumbai Police Commissioner, the role of Special Commissioner remains somewhat ambiguous. Sources within the police department suggest that the creation of the Special Commissioner post could cause potential friction between the Commissioner and Special Commissioner unless the government defines their roles more clearly. It remains uncertain whether the Special Commissioner post will be retained or scrapped.
As the new police commissioner, Bharti’s leadership will likely have a profound impact on the future of law enforcement in Mumbai, a city known for its complexities in policing and security. His experience and reputation as a trusted officer will be vital as he navigates the challenges of maintaining law and order in India’s financial capital.
With Bharti’s appointment, the Maharashtra government has made a significant move in reshaping the leadership of Mumbai Police, potentially setting the stage for new changes in the police force’s structure in the coming years.
Sources By Agencies