The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has filed charges against two individuals arrested in connection to the rape case of a woman with special needs, in southernmost Addu City.

PGO revealed on Sunday that they initially launched probes into the case on July 31, after receiving the report of a 48-year-old woman with special needs falling victim to sexual assault.

Charges have been forwarded to the Hithadhoo Magistrate Court in Seenu atoll, against the accused, Makhthum Moosa Didi and Ali Shimau Zubair, who were arrested not long after the incident was reported.

Makhthum is accused of forcing sexual relations with a special needs person and stands to face a jail term between 15 – 20 years if proven guilty.

Two counts of charges were raised against Shimau, for forcing sexual relations with a special needs person and for the consumption of alcohol.

If found guilty for the first charge, Shimau may stand a prison sentence ranging 15 – 20 years and the latter carried a jail term of 1 month and six days, as well as 40 lashes.

Sexual assault cases have been surging of late despite the country being locked in a battle against the global Covid-19 pandemic and since the Kanduhulhudhoo rape case where a two-year old toddler fell victim to sexual abuse by her family members surfaced earlier this year, individuals voicing against such heinous crimes, have notably increased as well.