Police have refuted allegations of police brutality being levied against them on social media, stating instead that the incident in question occurred when the involved individual fell while attempting to flee after being asked to stop at a check point.
Police have refuted allegations of police brutality being levied against them on social media, stating instead that the incident in question occurred when the involved individual fell while attempting to flee after being asked to stop at a routine traffic check point.
Persons on social media are claiming that the police used intentional violence against a minor, a 17 year old female, in Hulhumale Phase 2.
Former Managing Director of Road Development Corporation (RDC) Moosa Ali Manik also posted on X stating that protestors had gathered outside the Hulhumale' Phase 2 Police Station following reports that the police had used violence against a minor.
Photos published with the post show a number of persons gathered outside the police station. He accused the police of attempting to cover up the incident and defend the involved officers instead of being accountable or protecting the concerned minor.
"I strongly condemn violence against children," Manik said in his post.
Although the specific post did not offer details of the incident, the allegations are that police intentionally caused a driving motorcycle to topple over.
Police deny that events unfolded as alleged.
Police Spokesperson Ahmed Shifan told Mihaaru that the incident occurred around 10 pm on Sunday night in Hulhumale' Phase 2 at a traffic checkpoint. Officers stationed at the checkpoint had indicated for the rider of the motorcycle to stop for a routine check, which the rider ignored, attempting instead to speed away.
"This incident occurred through the offending driver, upon approaching a vehicle checkpoint, attempted to accelerate the motorcycle and flee while avoiding the police manning the checkpoint," Shifan stated.
Shifan further stated that the motorcycle rider did not hold a valid driving license. As the rider had sustained injuries in the incident, transfer to and treatment from Hulhumale' Hospital was promptly arranged.
After Shifan made these statements, more footage of the incident began circulating on social media.
In the new footage, the girl falling from the bike is also visible. This video shows an officer raising his hand towards the motorcycle, after which the motorcycle rider loses control and topples over. As soon as the motorcycle hits the ground, both the rider and passenger stand up.
Additionally, there is a video of police officers using derogatory and disrespectful language in a verbal altercation with the minor's family inside the police station after the incident.
Police have since announced that they will be conducting an internal investigation into the matter. No information has been shared as of yet whether any action has been taken so far against the involved officers.
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