Black engine oil attack on Mandhy: details of suspect released

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has revealed details of the person who was arrested on suspicion of throwing black engine oil on Mariyam “Mandhy” Zubair, a prominent figure in the political activities of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

On Saturday, the police revealed that Ahmed Rishmah, 20 and native to Dhaandhoo island of Gaaf Alif atoll, was arrested in connection with the black oil attack on Mandhy.

The police institution noted that he was arrested under a court order on March 27.

The Criminal Court has since remanded the suspect for a 15-day period.

Further investigations are currently underway in connection with the case.

The remand order states that the suspect did not deny riding the motorcycle at the time of the incident. The police institution has also accused him of property damage and making threats.

The 20-year-old was previously arrested on suspicion of assault. He was also arrested in February on suspicion of attempting to engage in a fight.

Regarding the attack, MPS took Mandhy's statement on March 19.

The incident where a group doused Mandhy in black engine oil occurred on the night of March 16, in the area where Woodberry Restaurant is located in the capital Malé City. It was reported that the black engine oil was thrown by individuals riding a motorcycle, wearing helmets and masks.

According to an eyewitness, the two individuals who threw the black engine oil were following Mandhy from the area the MDP main office is located, on Chaandhanee Magu.

Regarding the incident, Mandhy asserted that this was done by certain individuals sent under the influence of a particular group. Mandhy also stated that she would not say that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his wife, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed do not have a hand in this matter.