Maldives Police Service on Tuesday launched a special operation to investigate addresses and persons as part of the presidential Commission on Investigation of Murders and Enforced Disappearances' probe.
Chief Inspector and Spokesperson of Police Izmia Zahir revealed that the ongoing operation was to investigate suspect locations and persons identified as pertinent to several cases being probed by the commission.
"The locations and people are being investigated in accordance with implementing the court order issued upon request by the commission. The investigations are being carried out by Police", said Izmia.
According to Izmia, law enforcement and security would be further strengthened in capital city Male' and Addu City throughout the duration of the operation.
The ongoing special operations would be carried out with the aid of Crime Investigation Command, the Forensics Service, Specialist Operations Department and the Divisional Policing Command.
According to local media Mihaaru, Police have entered four houses in capital city Male' for their investigation thus far.
The residences are linked to individuals identified by the Commission's draft report on Maldives Independent journalist Ahmed Rilwan's enforced disappearance as allegedly being involved in the crime.
The operations are simultaneously taking place in Addu City as per the draft report identifying certain individuals as residing in Addu City.
The residence of a man named Agleel (Kidoo) from Feydhoo, Addu Atoll, is currently being investigated by Police.
The Commission's draft report alleges that Agleel arranged the marine vessel aboard which evidence currently leads the Commission to believe Rilwan was murdered.
The draft report details witness testimony that Rilwan was forced to board a vessel from Ukulhas, Alif Alif Atoll, following his abduction from the premises of his apartment in reclaimed suburb Hulhumale'.
The vessel is owned by a man named Mohamed Rashid of Maavadiaage house, linked to the local extremist group that allegedly killed Rilwan, according to the report. It was revealed in the press conference that the group in question was affiliated with al-Qaeda.
This vessel was allegedly organised by Agleel, who was recently brought into Police custody. He has since been released from custody.
Five locations across capital Male' and Addu City are currently being investigated by Police.
According to Police, this includes four addresses in Male' and as of yet no persons were placed under arrest.
Prior to Agleel being brought into custody, Police investigated his residence and a fabric business that he owns.
According to Agleel's family, no possessions were taken as evidence.
Sign In
