An officer of the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has been suspended following his arrest under accusations of raping a 15-year-old girl in capital city Malé.

The authority released a press statement on Thursday, revealing the suspension of the man who was arrested on Wednesday under accusations of raping the minor, however, they are yet to find the other officer suspected to be involved in the rape case.

Following a tip-off from a member of the People’s Majlis, authorities arrested the 36-year-old Maldivian man at around 06:30pm on Wednesday for the sexual assault, blackmail and rape of the minor.

Since then, MNDF has sought the other suspect’s identity from the parliamentarian who tipped authorities off. They are also seeking details of suspected officers from the Maldives Police Service (MPS).

The statement also assures the MNDF’s commitment to thoroughly investigate and take stringent measures as mandated, as soon as they receive such reports.

Further, the statement expresses concern and dismay in the delay in receiving said reports of sexual assault against a minor.

The officer was the second to be arrested under rape accusations on Wednesday, a 76-year-old was arrested early for sexually assaulting a three-year-old toddler.

Sexual assault cases have been mounting at an alarming rate of recent and such cases are unfolding more frequently since the disturbing news of a two-year-old toddler who fell victim to sexual assault from close family members, emerged.

As such cases make the spotlight more frequently, it has been churning public outcry across the nation, with many attributing the increase of pedophilia to inadequate action from authorities.