Two arrested in connection to Kulhudhuffushi kidnapping

Police officers seen during an operation conducted as part of the Commission on Investigation of Murders and Enforced Disappearances investigation of the missing journalist Ahmed Rizwan in September 2019 | Photo: Hussain Waheed

Malé, Maldives – Maldives Police have arrested two suspects in connection the assault and kidnapping case that took place in Kulhudhuffushi city on May 29.

Two Maldivian males, ages 24 and 25, were arrested last night, while the car suspected of being used as the transport vehicle in the kidnapping case have been taken into police custody through court warrant.

The 29 year old victim reportedly suffered from severe head injuries including a skull fracture and had emergency head surgery at ADK. While other surgeries are needed, doctors are waiting until the swelling in the head subsides to proceed. He is in critical condition on ventilator at ADK hospital.

Maldives Police Service has revealed that the Kulhudhuffushi man was kidnapped and seriously injured by a group of people concealing their faces.

An official of the Police media informed today that they received a report at approximately 20:48, on the night of 29 May 2021 that a 29 year old man was kidnapped by a group of people and transported by car to a second location where he was assaulted, leaving the man critically injured. The perpetrators reportedly committed the vigilante crime alleging the victim of thievery.

The victim who received emergency care at Kulhuduffushi Regional Hospital, is transported to Malé for further treatment due to deteriorating condition.

The Manager of Kulhuduffushi Regional Hospital, Ahmed Dhaoodh confirmed that an injured man was brought to the hospital last night. The doctors informed that the individual has internal bleeding in his head and is in serious condition.