Deven Bharti, a high-profile officer who probed 26/11 attacks, is the new Mumbai police commissioner

A high-profile officer, Bharti has served at several important postings in Mumbai city and beyond. He was one of the longest-serving joint commissioners of police (Law and Order) of Mumbai city, an important posting overseeing all police stations in the jurisdiction. Apart from this, he has held several important posts, including that of the head of the Maharashtra State Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and as the additional commissioner of police (Crime Branch) before that.

Involved in the investigation into several major crimes reported in the city, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Bharti is known to enjoy the confidence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who created the post of a special police commissioner in January 2023 and appointed Bharti.

Between 2014 and 2019, the officer enjoyed prominent postings. However, in October 2020, when the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government was in power, he was transferred to the Maharashtra State Security Corporation (MSSC), considered a side posting.

It was again during the MVA government when he and two others were booked on charges of not registering a First Information Report (FIR) against BJP leader Hyder Azam’s wife when it was alleged that fake documents were used to procure her passport.

However, the police probe did not find any evidence to back the charges, and he was not named in the chargesheet filed by the Mumbai Crime Branch in connection with the case.