Court releases two individuals arrested for rape case

Adam Vishaan of Vinares, HDh. Neykurendhoo aged 18(right), and Ali Rasheed of Milaafaru, HDh. Vaikaradhoo aged 23(left) | Photo: Sun

Malé, Maldives – The two individuals who were arrested for kidnapping and raping a woman last April in Malé city were released by the Criminal Court.

The two people who were arrested were Adam Vishaan of Vinares, HDh. Neykurendhoo aged 18, and Ali Rasheed of Milaafaru, HDh. Vaikaradhoo aged 23. The two were suspected to have been involved in assaulting, kidnapping and attempting to force sexual activity with the woman.

The two individuals were remanded multiple times and were released on 19th of this month when they were brought to Criminal Court.

Criminal Court stated that they were released due to the Prosecutor General’s request. Due to this, the Police had changed their stand in the form.

The two individuals were released due to the PG not receiving enough evidence collected to further investigate the case. Ali Rasheed had also tested positive for Covid-19 while he was arrested, and was isolated, so the court hearing took place without him.

Local media reports related to the rape case informs that a woman had been seen forcefully taken inside a house, kicking and screaming by two individuals near the Lemongrass restaurant in Maafannu on Friday night. 

The Criminal Court noted that the two suspected individuals have recorded previous criminal records, with the 23 year old having four priors while the 18 year old had three.