The Criminal Court, on Saturday, extended the remand period of the 21-month-old sexual abuse victim's paternal grandfather and great grandfather by an additional 15 days.
The two men, aged 81 and 62, were arrested on January 17 along with the victim's 33-year-old father amidst rising public pressure to take action concerning the case which was reported in Kanduhulhudhoo, Gaafu Alif Atoll.
As per a joint statement released by Police and Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services, the child's grandfather is the main suspect in the crime. The father is accused of negligence, while the great-grandfather has previous records of child sexual abuse.
The grandfather, also alleged to have sexually abused the toddler's mother, was suspended from his position as the imaam of Kanduhulhudhoo the day following his arrest.
The case, involving the sexual abuse of a toddler by her grandfather and great-grandfather shook the country on January 16, sparking outraged protests and harsh criticism against the government.
Since, the gender ministry took the child under state care and has handed her over to a maternal family member to ensure a safe home environment that would provide protection for the girl.
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