Police, on Tuesday, declared that if any individuals were discovered to have deliberately harboured Shaim Abdulla, who went missing from ‘Kudakudhinge Hiya’, legal action would be taken against the perpetrators.
‘Kudakudhinge Hiya’ is a government-managed orphanage for children under state custody, in the suburb of Villimale’.
Police spokesperson stated that they are still investigating the 14-year-old’s disappearance, and proper steps will be taken if there were any suspicion of the minor having been deliberately hidden.
According to the police, Shaim was reported missing on June 18. A public announcement for the search was made two days later.
At the time, Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services remained silent about the matter and withheld information about Shaim being under state custody.
The ministry eventually confirmed his disappearance after an order by the Juvenile Court stating that the minor ran away from the orphanage.
Police found the runaway teenager on Monday when they forcefully entered a house in capital city Male’ and took him under custody.
Gender Minister Shidhatha Shareef admitted that Shaim was unsupervised at the orphanage.
The ministry stated that the boy was taken into state care from an “environment of crime” to conduct further assessments.