Police stated today that the team of experts from India who assisted in the investigation into the December 2024 fire incident confirmed that the blaze had originated through an electricity shortage. 

The police's clarification comes after former President Abdulla Yameen has alleged that the fire at the ministries had been caused through arson, and that police would be aware of the perpetrators behind it. 

At a press conference held this afternoon, Superintendent of Police Abdulla Rasheed stated that they had sought assistance from Indian experts in the investigation into the December 12, 2024 fire. 

The team of experts conducted extensive on-site investigations, and had been provided with information gleaned through interviews with witnesses, photos, video and CCTV footage, Rasheed said. 

After concluding their probe, the team of experts had shared an investigative report with the Maldives Police Service. 

"As per the report, the fire was caused through an electrical short circuit. The report noted that the wires that caught fire were in hard to access areas through the buildings' ceilings and ducts. This caused challenges in locating the fires and extinguishing them, leading to the blaze getting out of control and spreading," Rasheed said.

The report also stated that the building had areas which were highly flammable. 

Rasheed stated that no further investigation is required into the incident.