Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services took custody of the child alleged to have been bought by a married couple from another Maldivian island.

The Vice President of the island council where the couple is from, told local media Mihaaru that the Gender Ministry visited the island and assumed responsibility of the child, taking her under state custody.

He reported that the child appeared to be a girl of about one year.

According to the councillor, the child was bought from a southern island by a couple who were unable to conceive children. However, he was unaware of the details of the transaction.

Gender Ministry has yet to issue an official statement about the incident.

Maldives Police Service confirmed that they were investigating a case related to the selling of a child, although no further details were provided.