Interviews for the appointment of the new Commissioner of Police (CP) have concluded, with a final decision expected after the Eid holidays, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Marks from the interviews, conducted with all eligible candidates, were submitted to the Ministry of Homeland Security on Wednesday. Based on these assessments, the next police chief is expected to be chosen from among three senior officers: Acting Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen, Deputy Commissioner Farhad Fikuree, and South Police Commander Assistant Commissioner Ahmed Shameem.
"The marks were sent on Wednesday. A decision will be made after the Eid break," the source confirmed.
Under current regulations, only senior-ranking officers, such as assistant commissioners, are eligible to apply for the top post. Candidates undergo a vetting process through interviews and assessments conducted by the police board. From the board’s shortlist, the President makes the final appointment, acting on the recommendation of the Home Minister.
The position became vacant following the resignation of former Commissioner of Police Ali Sujau on April 26. Sujau stepped down, citing family responsibilities and mounting criticism over the police response to the case of Hawwa Yumnu, a woman who fell from a Henveiru building in the early hours of April 18.
Following Sujau’s resignation, Deputy Commissioner Farhad Fikuree was briefly appointed to lead the police. However, within an hour, the decision was reversed, and leadership was handed over to Ismail Naveen. The reversal came amid controversy, as Fikri faced public criticism over allegations of tampering with evidence in a rape case allegedly involving his son.
