A serious accident in Hithadhoo district of southernmost Addu City, involving a vehicle rented and driven by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s security has raised concerns, as it has now emerged that MNDF has not paid for the repairs to the damaged car.

The accident occurred on the afternoon of November 5 and left a couple injured. Both vehicles involved sustained significant damage.

Following the incident, the owner of the car driven by the president’s security personnel voiced his concerns on social media.

He said MNDF had rented his vehicle for the president’s security and after the accident made grand assurances that they would cover the repair costs. He noted that many days had passed since the MNDF team had left the island and that a quotation from the garage detailing the repair expenses had been sent to the MNDF officer who was driving the car.

The owner added that neither the officer nor any MNDF official had offered any cooperation since then, leaving him unable to repair the car nearly a month after the incident. He questioned who would take responsibility for the difficulties and losses faced by his family.

Statements from an MNDF official now indicate that the institution is unwilling to take responsibility for the damage.

When contacted by RaajjeMV, the MNDF Information Officer said the institution would not be providing information to the media on the matter. The official added that if the car owner had submitted the case to the police, it would be investigated by the police and further details should be sought from them.

In addition to the car rented and driven by the security personnel, another vehicle was also damaged in the accident.