Investigation into child sexual abuse allegations against Sunny Umar progressing: Police

Police say the investigation into Dr Sunny Umar, who is in custody over allegations of sexually assaulting children, is progressing.

Speaking to the media, a police media official said the investigation had made progress but did not disclose further details. Sunny was arrested late last month and remains in police custody.

His current remand period expires on Thursday.

The case was initiated after the family of one of the alleged victims filed a complaint with the police. Sunny, who is known for his involvement in halal tourism and operates a travel agency and travel-related media outlet, has been accused of sexually assaulting children.

At the time the allegations surfaced on social media, Sunny was abroad. Upon his return to the Maldives, he was taken in for questioning and later released. However, he was subsequently re-arrested under a court order on charges of attempting to leave the country.

In a press release, The Travel Guys, a company in which Sunny holds shares, said its board had decided to seize his shares, adding that the shares would not be sold to any other party.

The company also clarified that Travelution Media, operated under The Travel Guys, has been managed by an international core team since its inception, and that Sunny Umar has no involvement in its day-to-day operations.