IPS officer Deven Bharti From Crime Buster to Commissioner
Prabhakar Pawar
Sprouts News Exclusive
IPS Officer Deven Bharti has been appointed as Mumbai’s 47th Police Commissioner, marking a significant career milestone. Known for dismantling gang networks and combating terrorism, he now faces challenges like cybercrime, drug mafias, and internal reforms. His leadership is expected to restore the Crime Branch’s strength and improve police welfare.
In a significant administrative development, senior IPS officer Deven Bharti has been appointed as the 47th Police Commissioner of Mumbai, succeeding Vivek Phansalkar upon his retirement on April 30. With a decorated career spanning over two decades in the Mumbai Police force, Bharti’s rise marks a notable moment in Maharashtra’s policing history—particularly as he surpasses 11 senior IPS officers to assume the top post.
From Gang Wars to Intelligence Operations: Deven Bharti’s Early Contributions
Bharti’s emergence in Mumbai’s policing landscape began during one of the city’s most volatile eras. Between 1997 and 2003, under the leadership of Police Commissioners Roni Mendonca and M.N. Singh, and Joint Commissioner D. Sivanandan, the Mumbai Crime Branch launched an aggressive campaign to curb organized gang violence. Once notorious underworld factions were systematically dismantled.
Amid this clean-up, Deven Bharti joined the Mumbai Crime Branch. At the time, Dhananjay Jadhav was Commissioner of Police, while the formidable Rakesh Maria led the Crime Branch. Bharti, then a Deputy Commissioner, was assigned leadership of the Detection Crime Branch. His sharp investigative instincts quickly earned him recognition. Maria and Bharti formed a strategic duo, credited with neutralizing the residual underworld network across the city.
Unmasking Terror Cells: The Kothrud Operation and National Impact
Following the decline of gang violence, Mumbai faced a new threat—homegrown terrorism. The Indian Mujahideen, a domestic terror outfit, set up a covert control room in Pune’s Kothrud area to coordinate serial bombings across the country. The State and Central governments raised alarms as these attacks intensified.
In a daring joint operation led by Rakesh Maria and Deven Bharti, authorities raided the Kothrud hideout and arrested 21 highly educated terrorists. This breakthrough not only curbed a rising wave of terror attacks but also underscored Bharti’s expertise in counterterrorism. The operation’s success brought national recognition and earned Bharti a promotion as Additional Commissioner, following commendation from then Home Minister R.R. Patil.
Leading the Law and Order Front: Eight Years of Strategic Oversight
Post-promotion, Bharti served four years in the Detection Crime Branch and another four as Joint Commissioner (Law and Order). During these years, he became a central figure in the Mumbai Police Commissioner’s Office, known for his balanced yet firm administrative style.
Even Maharashtra’s current Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has shown consistent confidence in Bharti’s integrity and leadership. In 2023, when Vivek Phansalkar was Commissioner, Bharti was entrusted with the newly created role of Special Commissioner of Police, which he fulfilled with diligence.
Deven Bharti’s Appointment: Breaking Seniority Norms
In a rare instance within IPS cadre promotions, Deven Bharti was appointed Commissioner despite being junior to 11 other IPS officers. This merit-based selection has been widely appreciated, underscoring the state’s shift toward performance-centric leadership.
Bharti’s appointment places him alongside the pantheon of transformative Mumbai police commissioners such as J.F. Ribeiro, R.D. Tyagi, M.N. Singh, D. Sivanandan, and Rakesh Maria, all of whom left lasting impressions through innovative policing strategies.
Reforms and Expectations: Eight-Hour Duty for Constables and Fair Transfers
Among the top expectations from the new Commissioner is the revival of the eight-hour duty cycle for constables—a reform first piloted by former CP Dattatray Padsalgikar. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this implementation, leading to burnout among lower-rank personnel.
Bharti, known for maintaining ground-level communication with constables and inspectors, is likely to reinvigorate these welfare initiatives. He is especially aware of systemic flaws in transfer policies, where influential officers dominate key postings, sidelining deserving personnel who lack political backing. Officers from far-flung areas like Virar, Palghar, Dombivli, and Asangaon are forced into long commutes, while Mumbai-based staff are posted elsewhere.
Rebuilding the Crime Branch and Restoring Institutional Reputation
One of Bharti’s most urgent internal challenges is reviving the Detection Crime Branch, which has seen a marked decline in effectiveness. Several officers unfamiliar with the city’s criminal ecosystem—lacking knowledge of figures like Chhota Rajan or Chhota Shakeel—now hold key positions, diluting operational capability.
Moreover, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has developed a controversial image, reportedly prioritizing non-complainants and fostering an environment ripe for “settlement negotiations.” Bharti is expected to lead a thorough structural overhaul, restoring public confidence in both branches.
Combating Cybercrime and Drug Cartels: The Twin Epidemics
Mumbai is currently battling an alarming rise in cybercrime and narcotics-related offenses. Fraudsters targeting senior citizens—particularly women—through phishing scams and digital extortion rackets are raking in crores. Simultaneously, drugs have infiltrated domestic spaces, with young citizens increasingly falling prey to addiction.
These crimes often have links to illegal Pakistani and Bangladeshi immigrants, raising national security concerns. Bharti is expected to pursue a zero-tolerance policy, launching targeted crackdowns on cyber syndicates and drug cartels.
Also Read: NMC Probes Illegal MBBS Fees of ₹32 Lakh at DY Patil College to Fifth-Year Student.
Navigating Bureaucratic Resistance: Internal Politics and Allegations
Despite a sterling service record, Bharti’s journey has not been without resistance. An unnamed senior IPS officer, who once briefly held the Commissioner’s post, allegedly tried to implicate Bharti in a fabricated case—a move that backfired and led to the officer’s own legal downfall.
Following his recent appointment, Bharti has already faced criticism and internal skepticism. However, with a history of overcoming institutional politics through professional integrity, he is expected to handle dissent with composure and strategy.
A Defining Moment for Mumbai Police Leadership
IPS Deven Bharti’s appointment as Mumbai Police Commissioner symbolizes both a generational shift and a commitment to reform-oriented leadership. His deep-rooted understanding of the force—from constables to command—positions him to drive much-needed reforms while tackling contemporary threats.
As Mumbai grapples with digital-age crimes, drug infiltration, and institutional fatigue, Bharti’s command signals a return to decisive, accountable policing—grounded in experience, strengthened by resolve.
