Housing ministry fire probe: MPS says Indian team of experts conducted studies

The Maldives Police Service has revealed that the team of experts that arrived from neighboring India to investigate the fire incident that burned down three ministries, has conducted studies.

On Saturday, the police institution highlighted that the special team of Indian experts who joined the investigation team for the fire incident that occurred at M. Green Building on 12 December 2024, departed on 22 December 2024.

MPS noted that the team of Indian experts examined the site of the incident and studied all necessary aspects to complete the investigation. They said that photos, videos, and CCTV footage related to the incident, as well as other important information, were shared with the team. The police also stated that after analyzing the provided information and materials, the team is set to share their findings with MPS.

The Indian team arrived in the Maldives on 20 December 2024.

No further details about the fire incident were disclosed. MPS has not revealed any information about the cause of the fire's rapid spread and intensity yet.

While the fire incident is under investigation, the Ministry of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works had cleared the land where the building stood before the Indian team's arrival. Many have said this is destruction of evidence and that no results can be obtained. The government has faced criticism from several members of the public regarding the incident, and many have also raised questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Further, the Parliamentary Group (PG) leader of main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), South Hithadhoo constituency MP Ibrahim Nazil said that he had received information that the fire had started in the building at 5:30am, and the effects of smoke were visible from there. While it took a long time to control the fire, Member Nazil said there was significant negligence in the case. Nazil highlighted that the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) was observed to have been the most negligent in the incident, stating that MNDF became active in the matter between 6am and 6:30am. He also said that the fire was visible from outside about an hour and a half later, suggesting that MNDF officials did not work to deploy teams in the most appropriate manner.

The two buildings affected by the fire housed the Housing Ministry, Infrastructure Ministry, Environment Ministry, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Malé City Council office. The work of the three ministries has now been temporarily relocated to Dharubaaruge. The City Council is also currently working on organizing and recovering damaged documents.