At last night's People's National Front rally, former President Abdulla Yameen made claims that police are aware of the identity of the arsonist responsible for the December 2024 fire which saw three ministries and some offices of the Male' City Council destroyed. 

Home Minister Ali Ihusan has ordered a probe to check the veracity of Yameen's claims, and to ensure the investigation covers all necessary ground if it appears to be lacking in any way. 

In a social media post, Ihusan said that following Yameen's assertion that the fire had been caused by arson, and his claims that police are aware of the arsonist's identity, he has ordered Police to investigate the depth of information that Yameen holds, and, in the instance that further investigation is needed, to ensure that it is carried out to the fullest. 

Ihusan also announced that he has reached out to the National Integrity Commission to investigate the allegations made against Maldives Police Service by the former president. 

In his remarks, Yameen said that police would be aware of the close relations between the arsonist who caused the December 12, 2024 fire and incumbent President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. He asserted that the Maldives Police Service is in possession of this information. 

"They simply do not want to take action," Yameen alleged. 

However, circumstances are now changing, Yameen said, claiming that under the new situation, Police must take responsibility for the fire incident. 

Following Yameen's allegations, Home Minister Ihusan reiterated that joint investigations conducted by regional experts found that the fire had been caused by a spark in electricity cables. 

"Police have informed me that the investigation brought to light no evidence to raise criminal charges against any individual," Ihusan said. 

The Tinu Building and Green Building which housed three ministries and the EPA as well as premises of the Male' City Council were destroyed beyond use in the December 2024 blaze. 

A team of experts from India were also brought by the government to assist in the investigation into the major fire incident. 

On August 11, Minister Ihusan stated in parliament that the investigation had confirmed that this fire had not been caused by arson.