Bank of Maldives (BML) Head of Marketing and Strategy Mohamed Saeed has ended a 35-hour hunger strike outside Henveiru Police Station after receiving assurances from senior government and law enforcement officials that complaints of harassment against his family and other residents in Malé would be addressed.
Saeed concluded his protest on Sunday, October 18, following discussions with Home Minister Ali Ihusaan and assurances that authorities would cooperate in addressing complaints involving Ahmed Fairish, an individual accused by residents of repeatedly disturbing public peace in the Henveiru Dhekunu area.
The protest had drawn attention to longstanding complaints from residents living near Kashimaa Hingun and Dhoohimeri Magu, who allege that repeated incidents of harassment, intimidation and public disturbances had continued despite reports being made to the police.
In a Facebook post announcing the end of his hunger strike, Saeed said he had received assurances from the relevant authorities that the complaints would be addressed and that he would continue monitoring the progress of the case.
He expressed appreciation to Home Minister Ihusaan, who visited the protest site and discussed the concerns raised by Saeed and his family.
According to Saeed, the minister had instructed police to reopen complaints that had previously been closed and to address the issues raised by affected residents.
Saeed also revealed that some complaints had not previously been accepted or formally registered by police.
Following assurances from the Home Minister on Saturday night that these matters could be submitted again, Saeed said he and his family had refiled the complaints.
The development comes after Saeed and other residents raised concerns about what they described as persistent harassment by Fairish, whose alleged conduct had reportedly disrupted daily life in the neighbourhood.
Residents have accused the individual of shouting obscenities at pedestrians, creating disturbances late at night and obstructing roads by overturning parked motorcycles and placing signs across streets.
Other allegations include throwing plastic bottles at passers-by, splashing water and oil from a balcony onto people walking below, and dumping rubbish outside the residence occupied by Saeed’s family.
Saeed’s family claims that rubbish was deliberately dumped at their residence on at least two occasions, with both incidents captured on video.
Saeed also alleged that he had personally been targeted when oil was thrown at him after he lodged a complaint.
Residents further reported incidents in which the individual allegedly entered residential premises from the rear by following tenants as they returned home.
The complaints also describe prolonged shouting and disturbances continuing from midnight until dawn, affecting residents in the surrounding area.
These allegations have not been established through court proceedings, and the precise circumstances of each reported incident remain subject to investigation.
Police arrested Fairish on Saturday night, shortly after Saeed’s hunger strike and the residents’ complaints attracted wider public attention.
The arrest marked a significant development in the case, although authorities have not publicly detailed the charges, if any, that may be pursued.
Saeed also disclosed that Prosecutor General Abbas Shareef had personally assured him and his family that the Prosecutor General’s Office would closely monitor developments.
He thanked the Prosecutor General for the assurance, while stressing that he would continue following the actions taken by the relevant institutions.
Saeed additionally expressed gratitude to journalists and social media users who helped draw attention to the complaints and the circumstances surrounding his protest.
He also acknowledged Feydhoo North Member of Parliament Ismail Nizar of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) for his involvement.
The hunger strike has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by residents seeking intervention over repeated neighbourhood disturbances and allegations of harassment.
Such complaints can involve multiple issues, including public safety, property damage, intimidation and access to residential premises, requiring appropriate investigation and coordination between law enforcement and other relevant authorities.
For Saeed and his family, the central concern has been the reported failure to secure a lasting resolution despite complaints made over an extended period.
Although the arrest and assurances from senior officials have prompted Saeed to end his protest, the matter remains unresolved pending further action by the authorities.
Saeed has indicated that he will continue monitoring the handling of the complaints to ensure that the commitments made by the Home Minister and other officials are followed through.
The Maldives Police Service has yet to publicly disclose the outcome of the reopened complaints or provide details of any further legal action in connection with the allegations.
