The two officers of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) involved in a case where a person was kidnapped, coerced into selling drugs and had their finger amputated, have been suspended.
Media officials at MNDF have confirmed the suspension to RaajjeMV.
As such, MNDF revealed that they have suspended the two officers from duty, as the case against them is under investigation after their arrest.
Three minors are also accused of being involved in the horrifying kidnapping case.
Maldives Police Service (MPS) revealed that an individual was held against his will inside a house in the capital Malé City, threatened, forced to engage in drug trafficking, physically assaulted, severely beaten and had one of his fingers amputated.
This is to have been going on from 25 May 2024 to 25 June 2024.
The matter was reported to the police on duty at Hulhumalé Hospital at noon on June 25, when a severely injured person was brought to the hospital.
The victim in the case is a 30-year-old Maldivian man.
Upon examination, it was clear that he had suffered from severe physical injuries.
Five individuals were arrested in connection with the case including Ali Saamee, 24 and native to Kandholhudhoo island of Raa atoll, Ahmed Saaif Waheed, 18 and native to Gadhdhoo island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll, Mohamed Naushan Hussain, 21 and native to Thimarafushi island of Thaa atoll, Mohamed Nafaah, 23 and native to Maafushi island of Kaafu atoll and Ahmed Zayaan, 24 and native to Gan island of Laamu atoll.
Zayan and Nafaah are employed at MNDF.
According to police, out of the five suspects, four have been remanded pending sentencing by the Criminal Court. The remaining suspect; Nafaah, was remanded until the investigation concludes.
The police institution revealed that three minors under 18 are also involved in the case.
Saamee, Saaif, and Naushan are known drug users, while the other two individuals are known to be involved in criminal activities.
Based on the investigation so far, it appears that the incident is related to drug transactions, with the victim reportedly being exploited for drug trafficking activities.
MPS also revealed that equipment used for drug trafficking was found inside the apartment.