A scuffle has broken out in the prison facility on Maafushi island, Kaafu atoll on Friday.

Following reports circulating on social media that Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) officers were “beating” and “abusing” detainees at the remand unit four following a scuffle, RaajjeMV reached out to corrections media for a comment, but was unable to get a comment at the time of publishing as the station’s calls were unanswered.

RaajjeMV understands that the scuffle broke out when a detainee splashed an officer with “chili paste water” when the officer came to the detainee’s cell with his daily medications. This act was done after detainees created unrest, claiming that their medical rights were being hindered and they were not being allowed doctor consultations despite having asked for it.

However, RaajjeMV understands that the detainee was not listed to consult with a doctor.

Reports also have it that detainees threw “chili paste water” at the officers and supervisors at the unit on Friday morning, after rioting their discontent towards the lack of medical treatment. The scuffle flared during officers’ attempts to vacate the cell where the detainee who evidently assaulted an officer, was being kept.

Corrections is yet to confirm these reports.

Convicts doing longer prison sentences are usually detained at Maafushi Prison.