Mumbai: Maharashtra has appointed 1994-batch IPS officer Deven Bharti as the new commissioner of Mumbai Police, replacing Vivek Phansalkar who retired on Wednesday. Bharti, currently of the additional director general (ADG) rank, will formally be promoted to the director general (DG) level in August.
Bharti’s appointment marks a break in tradition. For nearly 15 years, the Mumbai commissioner’s post was held by officers of the DG rank. This time, the state government downgraded the post to suit Bharti’s current rank, signalling the importance it attaches to placing him at the helm.
Known for his long association with the Mumbai Police, Bharti has held several key positions in the city. He was joint commissioner (law and order) during the first Fadnavis-led government and later headed the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). He also led investigations into the 26/11 terror attacks.
A native of Darbhanga in Bihar, Bharti completed his master’s from the Delhi School of Economics. He began his career in Mumbai as DCP Zone 7 and later served as DCP in the Crime Branch, followed by postings as additional commissioner of police (crime) and inspector general (law and order) in Maharashtra.
During the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government’s tenure, Bharti was moved out of active policing to head the Maharashtra State Security Corporation (MSSC). He also faced official inquiries during this period, all of which were cleared recently.
In 2023, the current Mahayuti government created the new position of special commissioner for Bharti, citing models from Delhi and other states. While the move faced internal opposition and concerns about potential role conflicts within the force, the government went ahead with the appointment.
“The state has not made up its mind whether to keep the special commissioner post or scrap it,” a senior official said, pointing to possible future restructuring.
A senior police officer had said last year, “He has a superb network in the underworld. He knows the city and its underworld well.”
With Bharti’s elevation, the Fadnavis-led Home Department has made a strong administrative choice amid speculation over the internal power dynamics of the force. He is expected to hold the post until his retirement in 2028.
BI Bureau
