Maldives Police Service revealed that multiple reports were filed against an alleged sexual predator known to be operating under the guise of a 'Ruqyah' practitioner, after his identity was revealed last Wednesday.
According to local media Mihaaru, a Police Spokesperson, while confirming the reports, did not divulge information on the nature of the complaints against 55-year-old Mohamed Nasrullah from Faresmaathodaa, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
Police urged any individuals that may have incurred harm from Nasrullah's practices, to report to Thinadhoo Police Centre via +960 9792358.
Ruqyah, sometimes referred to as Fanditha in the local Dhivehi language, is an Arabic term that refers to a 'mystical' practice exercised by certain Muslims, for the purpose of repairing 'damage' that is believed to be caused by jinn possession, witchcraft (Sihr) or the evil eye.
Earlier in January, authorities noted that a number of sexual abuse incidents were reported by persons that sought spiritual remedies such as black magic (Sihr) and exorcism (Rugyah).
Speaking at the Parliament's Human Rights and Gender Committee, Human Chief Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohamed Daud pronounced that a bulk of sexual abuse cases reported involved such practices, specifically enactments of 'black magic', and added that certain matters were brought to public attention.
"It [sexual abuse] is inflicted not just in the name of Ruqya, but often under the guise of Sihr", said SP Daud. "We have investigated such [sexual abuse] cases that were brought forward to the police, and forwarded to PG for prosecution".
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