Saamih removed as police investigation chief

Chief Inspector of Police Mohamed Saamih has been removed from his position as head of investigations, sources confirmed Monday.

He has reportedly been transferred to a department responsible for reviewing the quality of investigations, although his new role remains unclear. The Maldives Police Service has yet to release an official statement on the matter.

The dismissal follows public outrage surrounding the case of Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, who fell from a building in Malé on the 18th of last month. Her family had publicly demanded Saamih’s dismissal, citing dissatisfaction with how the investigation was being handled.

Saamih previously led the Serious and Organised Crime Department, which oversaw the case. He also participated in a closed-door briefing with select journalists shortly after the incident—an action that further fuelled speculation.

Adding to the growing scrutiny, Police Commissioner Ali Shujau resigned last week amid widespread criticism of the police response. While many have accused the police of initially misleading the public, Shujau defended the department’s conduct at a press conference, insisting that proper procedures were being followed.