Teacher accused of grooming released, magistrate self-delivered summon chit

The teacher who was arrested and charged with grooming school children, and engaging in inappropriate conversation with them was released from custody yesterday.

The magistrate court of the island where the incident occurred released the teacher from custody claiming the individual poses no threat to society.

Police could not be reached for comment regarding the matter.

However, local media outlet Mihaaru has reported that the magistrate who issued the release order self-delivered the summons chit to Maldives Police Service, which is unusual.

The man was arrested on October 27 and remanded in custody for 20 days. An additional 30 days were added to his remand after he was produced to the court a second time.

The individual in question is a 29-year-old man and the case involves a total of 20 children. The case was sent to the Prosecutor General's Office for prosecution on 25th of last month.

The incident took place in an island in central Maldives. In order to protect the identity of children in such cases, it is prohibited by law to disclose details such as the name of the island where the incident occurred and the people involved in the case.