Probe ongoing following conflict between minor and police officer

An investigation has been launched following an incident where a minor allegedly defied an officer's order and attacked the officer in Meedhoo island of Raa atoll.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has confirmed that the case is currently under investigation.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The video shows a male police officer in colored uniform forcibly dragging a minor by the hand. The child grabs the police officer's hand, pulls, and shoves him to the ground. The police officer is seen scrambling to his feet, pushing the child down and restraining him. People sitting near what appears to be a coffee shop at the corner of the street are seen watching the scene unfold. At the end of the video, two more people are seen arriving at the scene.

Shedding light on the incident, MPS has revealed that the incident occurred on February 6, when an off-duty police officer attempted to calm a group of minors who were making noise on the streets. However, the minors are to have allegedly refused to comply, argued, and resisted sharing personal information.

The police institution revealed that when asked to come to the police station, the minor caused a disturbance and allegedly attacked the police officer.

While the investigation is ongoing, the police also revealed that they are investigating the family's allegation that the police officer assaulted the child.

In addition to this, the police said that the Professional Standards Command is conducting a review of how the minor involved in the attack was restrained during the incident.

In dealing with cases involving minors, a special procedure must be followed, and the investigation is being conducted as a serious case while protecting the minor’s identity.