Police deny family's allegations of non-cooperation in Hithadhoo harassment case
The family of a 16-year-old girl in L. Hithadhoo has expressed concern over an alleged lack of police cooperation following an incident where the teenager was threatened with a knife and issued death threats. While the police have denied these allegations, asserting that the investigation is proceeding swiftly in coordination with relevant authorities and that the family is being kept informed, the victim’s family maintains that the suspect is a known repeat offender. The incident has reportedly left the young girl with significant psychological trauma.
An aerial photograph of L. Hithadhoo. | Social Media | Social Media
Police have denied allegations made by the family of a 16-year-old girl in L. Hithadhoo, who claimed that authorities failed to provide adequate cooperation regarding a case involving threats made against her.
The incident occurred on the night of Thursday, September 19.
The child's father told RaajjeMV that at the time of the incident, his daughter was home alone and was resting in a Joali seat in the courtyard.
Citing his daughter, the father stated that a man, approximately 22 years old, entered their home while talking on a phone. Upon seeing the girl, he reportedly asked, "Where should I place this?" However, the girl was confused by the situation and responded by asking what he was referring to and where he intended to place it.
Terrified by his behavior, the girl began to question him further, at which point he approached her, grabbed her by the neck, and threatened her with a knife. He further warned her that if she told anyone, he would kill both the informant and her father.
The girl's father stated that she has been severely traumatized since the incident and is now refusing to go outside.
The child's father stated that despite reporting the matter to the L. Hithadhoo Police Station in pursuit of justice, he was told the case could not be investigated and received no cooperation from the officers stationed on the island.
Regarding the matter, police stated that the case was reported to them on the night of March 19, 2026.
Police stated that an investigation was launched immediately upon receiving the report. Authorities further noted that the inquiry is being conducted in collaboration with other relevant agencies.
Police stated that, based on the work conducted so far, they have recorded a statement from the victim and questioned three additional individuals to clarify information relevant to the case. Furthermore, the police confirmed that efforts are underway to complete all necessary investigative procedures. They also noted that the latest updates regarding the progress of the investigation are being shared regularly with the complainant.
While police have denied the family's allegations, the child's father stated that despite reporting the matter to the L. Hithadhoo Police Station to seek justice, he was told the case could not be investigated. He further noted a complete lack of cooperation from the officers stationed on the island. The father added that when he subsequently contacted the Gan Police Station, he was again informed that there was nothing they could do regarding the matter.
Seeking justice, the child's father stated that he contacted the police headquarters in Male' to lodge a complaint, where he was instructed to follow up with the Gan Police Station. He further noted that the case was subsequently registered at the Gan Police Station.
Driven by the need to ensure his daughter's safety, the father stated that he spent the Eid al-Fitr holiday contacting relevant authorities to raise his concerns. He noted that two officials from the Ministry of Social and Family Development arrived at their home on Friday afternoon and took the girl to the local council office. According to the father, the girl reported that police officers questioned her in the presence of the ministry officials.
According to the child's father, the man who issued the threats has a prior criminal record. He further alleged that despite the individual's involvement in local drug trafficking and high-profile residential burglaries, the police have failed to arrest him or take any legal action.
