There are allegations that Assistant Commissioner of Police Hussain Rasheed was appointed as the head of the Professional Standards Command in violation of procedures.

Reliable sources told Adhadhu that Hussain Rasheed was investigated and faced action by the police disciplinary board 10 years ago.

Sources, including police officers, said the appointment of a person with such a record to one of the most influential and responsible posts is against the rules of the institution.

The disciplinary board decided to investigate the allegations against Hussain Rasheed in 2016 while he was the Superintendent of Police and to give him a six-month counselling.

“A person who faced such action cannot be appointed to a senior position,” said one source.

The source said it undermines the reputation of the institution and calls into question its fairness.

The head of the Professional Standards Command was replaced before appointing a new Police Commissioner. The Professional Standards Command plays a leading role in checking the background of candidates for the post of Police Commissioner.

Adhadhu understands that efforts are underway to complete pending complaints against candidates interested to become Police Commissioner by tomorrow.

Deputy Commissioner Farhad Fikry is currently the acting Commissioner. He is interested in the post, but faces serious accusations. The other possible candidate, Assistant Commissioners Ahmed Shifan and Ahmed Mohamed have also faced action previously.

When asked why the head of the Professional Standards Command was replaced during the process to appoint a new Police Commissioner, the police said it was a "normal procedure."

The deadline for nominations expired on Monday and was extended until tomorrow after no applications were submitted.

The post became vacant following the retirement of former Commissioner Ismail Naveen in February. He is the second Commissioner to retire during this government.