Police officer accused of child sexual abuse suspended

The police officer accused of sexually abusing a minor, has been suspended.

The 34-year-old child abuse suspect was arrested at 11:09pm on Thursday, from Addu City. He is accused of molesting a 16-year-old girl.

His suspension has been effective from September 16.

Earlier the Hithadhoo Magistrate Court ruled to keep him in remand pending the outcome of the trial.

The case is being investigated further, by the police stationed at Hithadhoo district of Addu City as well as the police institution’s Family and Child Protection unit.

Infuriated residents of the southernmost city had taken to the streets outside of the suspect’s house, demanding his arrest.

The case of a 16-year-old falling victim to sexual abuse by the police officer, was filed at the police institution on Wednesday.

According to the police, they had used force to disband the protestors, as they were obstructing law enforcement. As such, officers had used pepper spray on the protestors as well.

This comes at a time the police institution has revealed that they are investigation another similar case of child sexual abuse, reported from an outlying atoll.

The case was filed at the Police Upper South Division comprised of Gaaf Alif and Gaaf Dhaal atolls, on September 12. The victim has been identified as a 14-year-old girl.

No arrests have been made in connection to the case, currently being probed by MPS and the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services.