Maldives Police Service on Friday apprehended Irufan Rushdhee, an individual suspected in the 2016 murder case of 14-year-old Fathir Mohamed.
According to local media outlet Mihaaru, the suspect was arrested aboard a speedboat 12 miles off the shore of Kaadehdhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Irfan and three other individuals had reportedly departed from Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and were fishing when Blue Whale, the speedboat, ran out of petrol.
The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF)'s Coast Guard was informed of the situation at approximately 0100 hrs. The police became aware of Irufan's presence on the vessel when they received a list of passengers. MNDF subsequently handed over the suspect to the police.
The police further revealed that the remaining three individuals were also arrested.
Although Maldives Immigration had stated that Irufan left the country in 2015, the Commission on Investigation of Murders and Enforced Disappearances revealed CCTV footage confirmed that he participated in the string of violent attacks in June 2016
Fathir Mohamed was stabbed in the back during an altercation between two gangs and succumbed to his wounds while undergoing medical treatment. The 14-year-old was killed in retribution for the murder of Ahmed Irushan who was stabbed in the neck earlier the same day.
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