From Terrorism to Cybercrime: Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti Reaffirms City’s Readiness to Tackle All Threats

Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti has assured citizens that the city’s security apparatus is fully prepared to deal with a wide spectrum of threats, ranging from terrorism and cybercrime to drug trafficking and urban Naxalism. In a detailed security briefing on Monday, Bharti reaffirmed the force’s unwavering commitment to keeping Mumbai safe and resilient against evolving challenges.

Persistent Terror Threats to Mumbai
Addressing the media, Bharti stressed that Mumbai, as India’s financial capital, remains a high-profile target for terrorist activities. He emphasised that the possibility of an attack—despite the passage of time since the last major incident—cannot be ignored. “Mumbai, being the financial capital of the country, remains on the radar of terrorist elements. We are constantly working to safeguard it,” he said.

Preventive measures remain at the core of Mumbai Police’s strategy. This includes bolstering surveillance infrastructure, improving intelligence-sharing networks, and conducting periodic mock drills to ensure preparedness for any unforeseen incidents.
 

Focus on Urban Naxalism and Illegal Residency

Highlighting another concern, the Commissioner revealed that the city is home to certain “urban Naxal” elements. These are individuals or groups allegedly linked to extremist ideologies operating within urban centres. A dedicated police unit has been assigned to track and neutralise such threats, working on real-time intelligence inputs.

As part of a broader security crackdown, Bharti disclosed that over 1,000 illegal Bangladeshi nationals have been deported in recent months. The Commissioner underlined that Mumbai Police is committed to acting swiftly against unlawful residency, as such cases can often be linked to organised crime or extremist activities.

 

Serious Approach to Threat Calls

Bharti made it clear that the police treat every threat call—whether hoax or real—with utmost seriousness. Each report is thoroughly investigated, and in over 90% of cases, arrests have been made. “We do not take any threat lightly. Every call triggers an immediate verification and, if necessary, a full-scale response,” he said.

This zero-tolerance approach is designed to deter mischief-makers while ensuring that genuine threats are identified and neutralised without delay.

 

Cybercrime and Drug Trafficking: The Growing Challenges
 

Beyond physical security threats, Bharti identified two of the most pressing modern challenges for Mumbai—drug trafficking and cybercrime. The Commissioner explained that the city’s global connectivity and economic vibrancy make it vulnerable to both illicit narcotics networks and sophisticated online fraud schemes.

The police are intensifying anti-narcotics operations, strengthening cooperation with central agencies, and enhancing technological capabilities to track cybercriminal activity. “Cybercrime is increasing at a rapid pace. We have specialised teams to investigate online frauds, data breaches, and other technology-enabled crimes,” he noted.

 

Security Following Kapil Sharma Incident

Following the recent firing incident at comedian Kapil Sharma’s café in Canada by members of the Bishnoi gang, Mumbai Police has provided heightened security to Sharma and his family. Bharti assured that celebrity safety, particularly in cases involving credible threats, is a priority for the department.

 

A Multi-Layered Security Strategy

The Commissioner’s briefing underscored the multi-pronged approach Mumbai Police is adopting—combining intelligence, technology, and on-ground vigilance to address traditional crimes, emerging cyber threats, and ideological extremism.

From continuous monitoring of sensitive locations to deportation drives against illegal immigrants, the police force is working to plug every possible security gap. Bharti’s message to Mumbaikars was clear: the city’s safety is non-negotiable, and every possible resource is being mobilised to ensure it.