Mumbai:   Sanjay Barve will be the new police commissioner of Mumbai. Barve took over the top post in the metropolis from Subodh Kumar Jaiswal, who has been appointed Maharashtra's Director General of Police.

Before his current posting, the 1987-batch IPS officer was Director General of Maharashtra Police's Anti-Corruption Bureau and prior to that was managing director, Maharashtra State Security Corporation, and also holding charge of the State Intelligence Department.

Barve was earlier considered a front-runner for the post of Mumbai police commissioner but in September last year was appointed DG of Maharashtra Police's Anti-Corruption Bureau.

In a related development, senior IPS officer Subodh Kumar Jaiswal was appointed Maharashtra's Director General of Police (DGP). Jaiswal, a 1985-batch IPS officer, replaces Datta Padsalgikar, who retires Thursday and was appointed the Mumbai police chief in July last year.

The Home department issued orders of appointments of both the officers on Thursday.

Amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Barve assured the city was safe but asked citizens to remain alert.

Speaking to media persons after taking charge, Barve said the city's security was his top priority.

"I want to assure Mumbaikars that they are safe, the city is safe and will remain safe," he said.

He said Mumbai Police force is for the safety and security of city residents, and maintaining law and order and protecting children, women and senior citizens are also its priority.

"I want to appeal to the police and city residents to remain alert and vigilant. If there is anything suspicious, people should alert the police," Barve said.

He also said that the city police will make all efforts to curb the rising cyber crimes and economic offences.