Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti Announces Cybersecurity Capabilities, Claiming Readiness to Combat Both Terrorism and Cybercrime
In a recent briefing, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti outlined the city's readiness to counter a range of threats, including terrorism, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and urban Naxalism. Bharti emphasized that ensuring preventive measures and strengthening Mumbai's security remains the department's top priority.
Countering Terrorism
The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Mumbai is the key specialized unit combating terrorism. It conducts intelligence-driven operations, engages in suspect interrogations, and coordinates with national agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for intelligence and operational support. The force uses technology and artificial intelligence for threat detection, data analysis, and tracking terror financing. De-radicalization initiatives have been introduced, emphasizing education, vocational training, and employment to prevent terrorism at the grassroots.
Cybercrime
Mumbai Police maintain dedicated Cyber Crime Cells equipped to investigate cyber fraud, hacking, phishing, and online harassment. Although specific recent Mumbai Police cybercrime developments are not detailed in the recent search results, these units increasingly use cyber forensics and international cooperation, mirroring national trends toward enhancing cyber defense capabilities.
Drug Trafficking
Mumbai Police actively conduct intelligence-driven raids and surveillance operations to intercept drug trafficking networks. Their efforts are coordinated with narcotics control agencies to disrupt supply chains. The police collaborate with local and national agencies to tackle drug trafficking rings prevalent in the urban setting, employing modern investigative techniques and community policing.
Urban Naxalism
The Maharashtra Police, including Mumbai Police, monitor and act against urban Naxalism, focusing on infiltration of extremist ideologies in universities and industrial hubs. Anti-Naxal operations are coordinated with intelligence inputs to identify operatives and financiers. Legal action is supported by surveillance and infiltration of Naxal networks to prevent violent activities.
Recent Accomplishments
The Mumbai Police have achieved significant accomplishments in countering terrorism, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and urban Naxalism. Successful dismantling of terror networks involved in past attacks like the 2006 Mumbai train blasts, though investigations have sometimes been marked by controversies over investigation methods. The application of advanced technology including AI for counter-terrorism threat analysis has been a key component of these efforts. Strengthened collaboration with national bodies such as NIA and CRPF and international forums for counter-terrorism capacity building and intelligence sharing has also been a significant factor. Ongoing adaptation to changing terror tactics and criminal patterns in cyber and drug domains is essential for continued success.
In addition to these efforts, over 1,000 illegal Bangladeshi nationals have been deported in recent months as part of intensified action against unlawful residency in Mumbai. The Mumbai Cyber Cell has prevented financial frauds worth over Rs 300 crore in the last two years and has frozen nearly 60 lakh bank accounts as part of ongoing cybercrime investigations. The Mumbai Cyber Cell has arrested several accused and receives over 2,000 cyber fraud-related calls daily.
Mumbai Police have also provided adequate security to comedian Kapil Sharma and his family following the recent firing at his cafe in Canada by the Bishnoi gang. Commissioner Bharti assured citizens that the force is fully equipped and unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding Mumbai. Bharti acknowledged the presence of urban Naxal elements in the city and emphasized that Mumbai, as the financial capital of the country, remains a target for terrorist elements. The Commissioner also stated that ensuring women's safety across the city is a priority for the Mumbai Police.
A Jain monk has warned of a potential stir from August 13 regarding a pigeon-feeding row in Mumbai. This event, while not directly related to the security landscape briefing, is a significant event happening in Mumbai.
- In their efforts to combat cyber threats, Mumbai Police have established Cyber Crime Cells that investigate cyber fraud, hacking, phishing, and online harassment, and increasingly employ cyber forensics and international cooperation to enhance cyber defense capabilities.
- Besides countering terrorism, drug trafficking, and urban Naxalism, the Mumbai Police have recently focused on strengthening general news and crime-and-justice issues by ensuring women's safety, deporting over 1,000 illegal Bangladeshi nationals, and providing security to high-profile individuals after incidents of violence.
