Maldives Police Service (MPS) has arrested a fourth suspect in connection to the kidnapping of a man in Kulhudhuffushi City of northern Haa Dhaal atoll.

Hassan Ibrahim, 29, was kidnapped by a group of masked individuals on the night of May 29. He is to have been assaulted in the kidnapping as well.

Police revealed that the fourth suspect in connection to the kidnapping and assault was arrested under a court order on Saturday night. A 20-year-old Maldivian.

Earlier the same day police arrested a third suspect, a 19-year-old, in connection to the case.

Police previously arrested two suspect aged 24 and 25, who have since been remanded by 15 days.

The incident was reported to police at around 8:48pm on May 29. The kidnappers are to have shoved the 29-year-old inside a car and took him somewhere where they continued to assault him.

A Kulhudhuffushi citizen told RaajjeMV that the incident is to have stemmed from reports that the kidnapped man was involved in several robberies in the northern city. A video footage allegedly showing the man robbing several places had gone viral among the community.

The assaulted man was initially treated for injuries at Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, however, he was transported to capital Malé City for further treatment due to the extent of his injuries. He is currently receiving treatment at ADK Hospital.

Sources reported that he had to undergo surgery for internal bleeding due to his skull being smashed in, leaving him in critical condition.

The case is under further investigation.