Minister of Home Affairs, Azleen Ahmed has said that they are investigating whether there are any political motives behind the stabbings across capital Malé City.
He made the statement while speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday evening, where he spoke on behalf of the government regarding the increased number of gang violence. He also accused the media of fabricating stories regarding these attacks, causing fear amongst the public.
He said that the people had been living in harmony for the past three years "even up until two weeks ago," but that "there is mayhem in the country every time there is a political commotion".
"We are not clear on whether these are backed by people or just a coincidence. We are investigating whether any politicians have any role in this," he added.
While the Home Minister said this, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Dr. Mohamed Shainee had said that "it is unacceptable to resort to creating chaos, risking the lives of youth and arson attacks for the sole purpose of gaining power". He said this via twitter early Tuesday morning, tagging former President and opposition leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Minister Azleen, who blamed two gangs for the violence, also revealed that 20 suspects had been taken into custody over the matter.
He added that the military and police will take extra measure, in order to bring a halt to gang violence, and sought the help of the public in locating those committing these heinous crimes.
There has been an increased number of stabbings across the capital Malé City, with two fatalities in the past week. 24-year-old Nadheem 'Nadey' Abdul Rahman succumbed to injuries on Saturday, after being stabbed in the head while at a café by a group of masked men, while 25-year-old Mohamed Anas was stabbed to death by masked assailants at Litus Service Center on Monday night.
The opposition and public have been mocking on the institutions for their failure to apprehend those committing such crimes, but continue their speedy investigations and trials against opposition figures.
