Ministry of Home Affairs has accused MP for Dhiggaru constituency, Ahmed Faris Maumoon of attempting to flee the country and not cooperating with police in an investigation against him.

Police made the accusations in a statement released on Tuesday, revealing why the lawmaker’s passport was withheld by authorities.

On May 14, Faris was not allowed to travel to India to visit a relative undergoing medical procedure there, with immigration officers confiscating his passport after checking-in at Velana International Airport.

The Home Ministry’s statement noted that Faris has not been cooperating with the police in the investigation against him, despite being summoned to police a number of times.

Noting that police is looking for Ahmed Sofwan who is close with the Maumoon family, the Ministry said that he had been in hiding abroad with the help of the family.

“As such, there is chance that Faris might not return to Maldives if he were allowed to travel, in order to obstruct the investigation”, reads the statement.

However, the Ministry added that Faris’ siblings, Yumna and Dunya Maumoon are able to travel to India.