“Mumbai Police is a team. Singhams don’t exist here.” Deven Bharti had tweeted on assuming charge as Special Commissioner of Mumbai Police on December 4, 2023. That post was specially created for him. Today, he was elevated as Mumbai’s Police Commissioner. The tweet essentially described his work ethos and his personality. It demonstrated that Bharti’s approach to policing is all about collaboration and teamwork.
His appointment as CP, Mumbai, marks the pinnacle of a career defined by grit, investigative brilliance, and political turbulence. Hailing from Darbhanga in Bihar, Bharti’s journey began with a degree from Delhi School of Economics before he joined the police force, where he carved a niche as a strategist unafraid to confront Mumbai’s underworld networks.
ILLUSTRIOUS COMPANY
Deven Bharti is a batchmate of Mr Sanjay Prasad, Principal Secretary to U.P. Chief Minister. Both of them used to reside in Gwyer Hall in Delhi University and used to prepare together for civil services. While Prasad was selected in the IAS, Bharti got the IPS, Maharashtra cadre. His brother Mrinal Bharti is a well-known lawyer at the Supreme Court in Delhi.
Deven Bharti’s deep familiarity with Mumbai’s dynamics is legendary. During his 2014–2019 stint as Joint Commissioner (Law and Order), he managed over 90 police stations, navigating communal tensions, organised crime, and high-stakes security operations. His tenure saw the crackdown on extortion rings and drug cartels, leveraging informants and forensic precision. “He knows the city like the back of his hand,” remarked a senior officer, referencing Bharti’s ability to preempt crises.
MUMBAI TERROR ATTACK PROBE
Bharti’s reputation rests on his role in landmark cases. As Joint Commissioner (Law and Order) and later head of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), he spearheaded the probe into the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks, which claimed 166 lives in 2008. His meticulous work in dismantling terror modules, including those linked to the Indian Mujahideen (IM), earned him accolades as a “26/11 hero”.
As the Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) during the horrific siege of Hotel Taj Mahal Palace, Hotel Oberoi Trident, and Chabad House, besides intense attacks on Leopold Café, CST Station and Madam Cama Hospital, Bharti was not only involved in the immediate response but also played a direct role in the investigation process. He was among the officials who interviewed Mohammed Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist captured after the attacks.
This personal interaction with a key perpetrator of the attacks provides a unique perspective on the mindset and operational methods of terrorists, an experience that will undoubtedly inform his approach to maintaining Mumbai’s security in his new capacity. His leadership during the aftermath of such a large-scale terror event underscores his commitment and ability to handle crises, a crucial quality for the leader of a major metropolitan police force constantly under the threat of such incidents.
KNOWLEDGE OF UNDERWORK NETWORK
Colleagues often describe him as possessing an “unmatched network” in Mumbai’s criminal underbelly, a skill honed during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) and Additional Commissioner (Crime).
Bharti’s career within the Indian Police Service (IPS) spans over three decades, marked by a consistent rise through the ranks since his induction in 1994. His extensive experience is underscored by the numerous key operational and administrative roles he has held within Mumbai’s policing structure. He served as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Zone 7, covering the crucial western suburbs from Bandra to Andheri, and also for the Crime Branch, demonstrating his early exposure to both general law and order maintenance and specialised crime investigation.
Progressing further, he took on the responsibility of Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), a pivotal position in overseeing the city’s crime-fighting arm. His understanding of Mumbai’s complex security landscape was further honed during his tenure as Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), a role with the crucial mandate of overseeing all police stations in the city.
Beyond Mumbai, Bharti’s expertise was recognised at the state level as he served as Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) in Maharashtra and headed the Maharashtra State Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), showcasing his capability in handling broader security challenges and specialised counter-terrorism operations.
FIRST SPECIAL POLICE COMMISSIONER
In a significant move preceding his appointment as Commissioner, the government appointed him as Mumbai’s first Special Commissioner of Police in January 2023, a position created to enhance the administrative efficiency of the Mumbai Police. This progression through diverse and increasingly responsible roles suggests a versatile and adaptable leader, with the Special Commissioner appointment potentially serving as a strategic precursor to his elevation as the city’s top cop.
TACKLING ORGANIZED CRIME
Bharti’s track record extends to significant achievements in tackling organised crime. He is credited with playing a vital role in breaking the backbone of the Indian Mujahideen in Maharashtra. This demonstrates his effectiveness in dealing with not just conventional criminal enterprises but also those intertwined with terrorist networks.
His involvement in the investigation of several high-profile criminal cases in Mumbai, including the sensitive murder of journalist J. Dey, highlights his investigative acumen and his commitment to addressing significant law and order challenges. Bharti possesses extensive knowledge of Mumbai’s underworld network. This knowledge could prove to be a crucial asset in formulating effective crime prevention and control strategies in his new role as Police Commissioner of Financial Capital of India.
EXPECTATIONS & CHALLENGES
As Commissioner, Bharti inherits a metropolis grappling with cybercrime, terrorism threats, and political pressures. His appointment, downgraded to the ADGP rank from the DG rank held by predecessors, reflects administrative restructuring. Could the move risk diluting the post’s authority? No, Bharti’s operational expertise is likely to justify the shift.
