Ismail Navin Appointed Acting Commissioner of Police

News

Not long after Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Farhad Fikry was temporarily handed the reins of the Maldives Police Service, DCP Ismail Navin has now been appointed as the new Acting Commissioner of Police.

Following the resignation of Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau earlier today, Farhad Fikry was initially tasked with temporarily performing the duties of Commissioner under Section 58(c) of the Maldives Police Service Act, 2020.

However, in a new announcement made by Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihsan on X (formerly Twitter) just an hour later, it was confirmed that DCP Ismail Navin would instead take over as Acting Commissioner. Minister Ihsan explained that, given the police force’s current priority — the ongoing investigation into the May 18 Henveiru incident — and since Navin is leading the probe, it was more appropriate for him to temporarily assume the responsibilities of Commissioner until a permanent appointment is made.

Government spokesperson Heena Waleed earlier announced that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had accepted Shujau’s resignation. Sources say Shujau tendered his resignation in the evening hours today.

His resignation follows days of public protests in Malé City, particularly among youth groups, demanding accountability over the handling of the investigation into the case where a woman was found falling from the rooftop of a high-rise building in Henveiru. Protesters have also called for the resignations of Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihsan and Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen.

The situation continues to develop as authorities work to restore public confidence.