Police have arrested a 44-year-old Maldivian man in R. Angolhitheemu under suspicion of issuing death threats and sexually assaulting a 72-year-old local woman while she was praying at home on Monday night.
A police media official confirmed that the disturbing incident was first reported to authorities at approximately 8:30 p.m. Following a swift preliminary inquiry, law enforcement officers executed a court warrant and took the 44-year-old suspect into custody at around 9:57 p.m.
According to available details, the elderly victim was attacked inside her bedroom while performing the Isha night prayer. However, authorities have not yet disclosed the full operational details surrounding how the suspect gained entry or the specific sequence of events during the assault.
The victim was promptly transported to the Angolhitheemu Health Centre, where medical staff administered necessary treatment for her physical injuries. Police confirmed that she has since been discharged from medical care to recover at home.
Emphasising that the incident is being treated with the utmost severity, the Maldives Police Service stated that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to ensure all necessary legal actions are taken against the perpetrator.