Authorities have launched investigations into a case of assault on a minor, reported from an island in Shaviyani atoll.

The child was reportedly assaulted by a group of children. A video clip of the assault has been circulating on social media, stirring public outcry and calls for immediate action.

The Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services told RaajjeMV that the island’s school had immediately taken disciplinary action against the group of boys accused of assaulting the child - another boy - after looking into the matter.

The ministry also noted that the assaulter has since apologized to the victim.

The case is being probed jointly by the gender ministry, the Maldives Police Service (MPS), the school as well as the island council.

The authority has affirmed that Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed Didi is monitoring the case, very closely.

As the case revolves around minors, the ministry has urged the public to refrain from circulating the video clip of the assault on social media, to protect the rights and sanctity of the minors involved in the case.