Police Commissioner Ismail Naveen has retired from the Maldives Police Service after 32 years.
Naveen, who assumed the role in June last year, submitted his retirement letter to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday, informing him of his decision to step down with effect from yesterday.
In a Facebook post following his retirement, Naveen said he was leaving the service in the same spirit in which he joined it nearly three decades ago — with respect for the police badge, trust in the institution and love for the country.
He described it as a privilege to have served in the police force.
In a message to senior officers, Naveen said the decision came after days of reflection.
“I have been thinking about this for days,” he said, adding that he believed it was the right time to step down to allow for a smooth transition in leadership.
“In such a service, staying in office for more days will not give a suitable time to retire,” he said.
Naveen was appointed Commissioner following the abrupt retirement of his predecessor, Ali Shujau, in April last year. Prior to his formal appointment, Naveen served as interim head of the service.
Shujau retired amid heightened public scrutiny and protests over the fall of a young woman from a building in Male'.
At the time of his appointment, Deputy Commissioner of Police Farhad Fikry and Assistant Commissioner Ahmed Shameem had also applied for the post. President Muizzu ultimately selected Naveen.
Parliament’s Finance Committee has recommended the suspension of seven senior police officers in connection with alleged corruption involving the police welfare company POLCO and other matters. Parliament has yet to take a decision on the recommendation.
