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Fayyaz calls to investigate police station matter instead of levelling false allegations

Fayyaz Ismail has called to investigate what happened to the project to build police stations in various islands before levelling accusations.

Ameera Osmanagic
29 October 2024, MVT 20:59
[File] Fayyaz Ismail during a previous MDP press conference -- Photo: Nishan Ali | Mihaaru
Ameera Osmanagic
29 October 2024, MVT 20:59

Instead of making false allegations, the government should investigate the company awarded to build police stations, said former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail.

Fayyaz's call to investigate was directed at Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan.

In a recent summon to the Parliament, Minister Ihusan said, answering an MP's question, that Indian company Indira was awarded the project to build police stations in various islands of the country. The project was valued at USD 3.6 million, he said, adding that the company has since purchased shares of the BIG company, and is now building Galolhu Moonimaage.

BIG is partially owned by President's Office's former Communication Head, Hassan Ismail.

According to the Economic Ministry's business portal records, Indira purchased shares of Fayyaz's family company BIG on November 16 of last year.

Responding to Ihusan's claims on X (formerly Twitter), Fayyaz claimed that the minister made false statements on various platforms about the development of police units. Fayyaz, who is also the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairman, said it was irresponsible to make such allegations without any investigation or prosecution, given that Ihusan has been overseeing the investigative agencies for nearly a year.

As such, he has officially submitted a request to the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) and the police to investigate the matter, and pave way for formal accountability, he said.

"Ihusan should next speak on the matter after fulfilling his responsibility to the public," Fayyaz said.

In his letters to the ACC and Police, Fayyaz wrote that the government is misrepresenting the situation although it is sharing information received regarding the allegations.

He also said that although the allegations have been going on for nearly a year, no official questioning or investigation has been conducted into such an important matter.

In the letters, Fayyaz requested to expedite investigations if any are currently underway, and to allow him to be fully answerable in the matter. He also said that he will fully cooperate if such an investigation is being conducted.

The previous administration of Maldives led by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih signed a USD 41 million dollar agreement with Indira Project Joint Venture Company to build police stations in 61 islands. At the time USD 3.6 million was issued to the company as an advance payment.

Previously, Ihusan said that the government has been unable to locate the company and is unaware of what happened to the funds issued.

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