Last week, the police began investigating alleged accounts of mugging in various parts of capital city Malé.

These reports had amassed significant interest as they spread on various social networking platforms.

While there were several claims of having been robbed under the threat of violence, the police were only able to confirm two accounts; a street mugging and the claim about a taxi driver who had reportedly stolen the belongings of his passenger.

A statement from the Maldives Police Service (MPS) on Sunday stated that such claims are given  the utmost priority and has asked the general public to refrain from indulging in and spreading false claims.

The MPS further said that such exaggerated claims on networking platforms only serve to incite fear among residents.