The Thinadhoo Magistrate Court has remanded nine Maldivian men in custody in connection with an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a 22-year-old woman and several minors in GDh. Thinadhoo. The suspects were brought before the court to determine their detention conditions following their arrest by local authorities.
According to police, varying detention periods were ordered for the nine individuals based on the case proceedings. Two suspects have been remanded in custody for 90 days, while one individual was given a 30-day remand, one received 15 days, one was placed under a 10-day detention, and four suspects were remanded for five days.
The court has also granted a five-day period for those suspects who currently lack legal representation to retain a defence lawyer to assist them throughout the judicial process.
Police confirmed that the initial case involving the alleged sexual abuse of the 22-year-old woman was reported on the 21st of this month from an island under the Upper South Police Division. During the ongoing investigation, authorities uncovered further allegations involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors connected to the incident.
Emphasising the gravity of the allegations, police stated that the matter is being treated as a high-priority, serious investigation as officers continue to collect evidence and conduct inquiries into all individuals involved.