The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has taken four individuals and a minor into custody from the crime scene in connection with a case where a person was kidnapped, and assaulted in the Milo ground area of Hithadhoo district in southernmost Addu City.

The police institution revealed that at around 1:35am on 11 February 2025, officers patrolling in a vehicle in the Milo ground area of Hithadhoo observed a group of people attempting to flee the area.

Upon further investigation, police officers found a person tied up in aJoaliin the area, with part of their head shaved and signs of assault. The victim was identified as a 37-year-old Maldivian man. In connection with the case, four individuals and a 15-year-old minor were taken into police custody from the crime scene.

Those taken into custody in relation to the case include Samaah Thaufeeq, 20 of Vision Dream / S. Hithadhoo, Mohamed Yaeesh Azaad, 19 of Grace / S. Hithadhoo, Ashraf Mohamed, 22 of Noothari / S. Hithadhoo, Ali Mazin Hassan, 20 of Mary Garden / S. Hithadhoo, and a 15-year-old minor.

When presented to court for a remand hearing, the court ordered Samaah Thaufeeq and Ashraf Mohamed to be remanded for 15 days, while Mohamed Yaeesh Azaad and Ali Mazin Hassan were remanded for seven days. The 15-year-old minor taken into police custody in connection with this case was not presented to court and has been released to the custody of his family.

Further investigations are currently underway in connection with the case.