Mumbai Among Safest Cities Thanks to Strong Police–Public Partnership

Commissioner Deven Bharti credits citizens’ cooperation as 70 police personnel honoured at IMC Awards

Mumbai, March 27, 2026: At a time when safety is a growing concern in cities worldwide, Mumbai continues to stand out as one of the safest, largely due to the strong cooperation between its citizens and police force.

Speaking at the IMC Awards for Mumbai Police Personnel for Outstanding Public Service 2025–26, held at the IMC Headquarters in Churchgate, Police Commissioner Deven Bharti said that maintaining law and order in the city is a shared responsibility.

The event, organised by the Indian Merchants’ Chamber, recognised 70 Mumbai Police personnel, including five women, for their outstanding work in areas such as crime detection, cybercrime, traffic management, narcotics control and acts of bravery. Each awardee was presented with a trophy, citation and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.

Bharti highlighted that Mumbai’s disciplined citizens play a major role in ensuring safety. He said residents actively report incidents and assist the police, acting like “officers without uniforms,” which helps authorities respond more efficiently.

He also pointed out that basic civic sense, like proper parking, can ease traffic congestion. While projects like the Coastal Road have already improved travel, upcoming underground tunnels are expected to further enhance connectivity across the city.

On the technology front, Mumbai Police has upgraded its systems with better equipment, vehicles and faster response mechanisms. Addressing cybercrime, Bharti revealed that around 400 people were rescued from scam operations in Thailand, including nearly 100 from Maharashtra.

He also expressed concern over rising “digital arrest” scams targeting elderly citizens living alone. As part of preventive measures, police teams have visited nearly 3,000 such homes, offering safety advice and emotional support.

Community initiatives like the “Police Didi” programme continue to educate children about personal safety, helping build trust between the police and younger citizens.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Ram Gandhi, Mahendra K. Chouhan and Ajit Mangrulkar. Instituted in 2016, the awards honour officers who go beyond their duty, highlighting the challenges of policing a fast-paced and densely populated city like Mumbai.