Mumbai, April 14: As Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar prepares to retire on April 30, 2025, the race to appoint his successor has begun to heat up. The question on everyone's mind: Who will be the new Mumbai Police Commissioner? As the financial capital readies for a leadership change, all eyes are on the corridors of power. Among the leading contenders are Deven Bharti, Sanjay Kumar Verma, Sadanand Date, and Archana Tyagi, each bringing a unique set of credentials to the table. Mumbai on High Alert: Police Warn of Terror Threats, Ban Drones, Tighten Security in Public Places.

The final decision rests with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also heads the Home Department. The decision on who will succeed Phansalkar rests with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, whose preferences will play a crucial role in shaping the final choice. Bharti, a trusted associate of Fadnavis, and other senior officers like Verma and Date have extensive experience in key positions, while Tyagi’s rise as a strong woman leader adds an intriguing dimension to the race. As the clock ticks down to Phansalkar’s retirement, let's take a look at each of these contenders. Mumbai Cop Dances With Woman on Local Train During Duty Hours, Suspended After Video Goes Viral.

Top Contenders for the Next Mumbai Police Commissioner

  1. Deven Bharti: Deven Bharti, a 1994-batch IPS officer, is a prominent contender for the position of Mumbai Police Commissioner. Known for his long tenure as Joint Commissioner (Law and  Order) under Chief Minister Fadnavis, Bharti has earned a reputation as a reliable officer with a deep understanding of Mumbai's law enforcement needs. Currently serving as Special Commissioner of Police, a newly created role, Bharti’s close ties with Fadnavis could give him the edge in securing the top post.

  2. Sanjay Kumar Verma: Sanjay Kumar Verma, a 1990-batch IPS officer, is among the senior-most officers in the running to replace Phansalkar. Having served as the Director General of Police for a brief period in 2023, Verma brings years of experience and leadership to the table. With his retirement not scheduled until 2028, Verma’s extensive tenure in various top roles positions him as a seasoned choice for the Commissioner’s post.

  3. Sadanand Date: Sadanand Date, a 1990-batch IPS officer currently heading the National Investigation Agency (NIA), is another strong contender for the Mumbai Police Commissioner role. Date played a pivotal role in investigating the 26/11 terror attacks and was instrumental in the extradition of the terrorist Tahawwur Rana. His reputation for handling high-profile cases and his close rapport with top political leaders make him a formidable candidate.

  4. Archana Tyagi: Archana Tyagi, a 1993-batch IPS officer, stands out as a notable woman candidate for Mumbai Police Commissioner. Known as "Lady Supercop", she is highly respected within the force and has served in various important capacities. Tyagi’s career, which inspired the Bollywood film Mardaani, positions her as a trailblazer, and if appointed, she would make history as one of the highest-ranking women in Maharashtra’s police force.

As Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar's retirement date draws near, the race to head the Mumbai Police has become a high-stakes decision for the Maharashtra government. With contenders like Deven Bharti, Sanjay Kumar Verma, Sadanand Date, and Archana Tyagi bringing diverse strengths to the table, the final choice will reflect not just seniority but also political alignment, experience, and vision for the city’s law enforcement. All eyes are now on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as he prepares to name the next top cop of India’s financial capital.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 14, 2025 08:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).