Police probe HDC in alleged land allocations in Hulhumale' to those outside Binveriyaa scheme

Police are investigating allegations of land allocation in Hulhumale' to individuals not included on the recipient list of the Binveriyaa scheme housing scheme.

The issue emerged after the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) allocated plots in Hulhumale' to individuals who were not qualified under the Binveriyaa scheme. The case came to light when HDC requested permission from the Housing Ministry to construct a boundary wall on one such plot. The ministry informed HDC that the recipients, including the brother of HDC managing Director Fazul Rasheed had not applied for land under the scheme.

According to documents circulating on social media, the application to build the boundary wall was submitted by HDC in July. The Housing Ministry had informed them that individuals had not applied for land through Binveriyaa scheme.

Last night, a special police team entered HDC’s offices to investigate the incident. The police forensic team is probing allegations of forgery and fraudulent allocation of land plots, with suspicions that some documents may have been falsified.

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) condemned the alleged misconduct, accusing the government of fostering corruption.

In a press release last night, the party called for the immediate dismissal of Fazul Rasheed and take legal action against him, as well as the revocation of fraudulently allocated land.

"The fraudulent allocation of land to those individuals who are not qualified for the land reveals the extent of corruption within this administration," MDP stated.

"We urge the government to take back these lands and ensure they are allocated to rightful beneficiaries."

MDP also criticized investigative agencies for inaction on corruption within HDC and other state-owned entities, demanding swift and strict legal action against all involved.

Under the Binveriyaa scheme of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, over 9,000 land plots in Hulhumale', Gulhifalhu, and Giraavaru Falhu are designated to Male' residents. The Housing Ministry finished the allocation process last month, contracting HDC to mark the boundary walls of the plots.

The investigation remains ongoing, with public and political scrutiny intensifying over allegations of corruption in the land allocation process.