The Commander of Maldives Correctional Service (MCS)’s Emergency Support Group has been suspended following an investigation into a brawl in Maafushi Prison earlier this week.

Home Minister Imran Abdulla revealed this after returning from an inspection of the prison on Saturday afternoon.

While MCS claims that the brawl started after an inmate attacked an officer, the home ministry has confirmed that officers had used excessive force when controlling the issue.

Speaking to the media, the minister said that Commissioner of Prisons has been instructed to suspend the Emergency Support Group commander until the investigation concludes.

He noted that this is because “the Emergency Support Group must takeover the security during an emergency,” as per the Prisons and Parole Act.

Furthermore, Minister Imran stated that necessary action will be taken against those found responsible, emphasizing that the government will do “everything” to reform the country’s prison system.

The incumbent government began work to reform the prisons shortly after assuming power, with the home ministry forming a seven-member committee in March. While this committee has completed its report, an addition committee has been formed to audit its report.

The scuffle is to have taken place on Thursday, with local media outlets reporting that “officers had taken out five prisoners from their cells, handcuffed and dropped them to the ground before beating them with batons and pepper spraying their groin area.” They are to have forcefully shaved off their heads as well.

MSC denies this.