A 17-year-old boy has died following an incidence of gang-related violence on the island of GA. Maamendhoo.

Speaking to RaajjeMV regarding the incident which took place on Monday night, President of the Maamendhoo Island Council Mohamed Zaeem said that a violent altercation had occurred between two groups at around 9:30pm on Monday. He further confirmed the identity of the deceased as that of 17-year-old Ahmed Udhayyu, a native of Maamendhoo.

Zaeem revealed that Udhayyu passed away while receiving treatment from the GA Villingilli Hospital for stab wounds he had sustained in the assault. He added that one other youth was also being treated at the GA Villingilli Hospital following the violence of Monday night.

A media official for police has confirmed that a special team of officers was dispatched to Maamendhoo and are now active there to further investigate the case. He added that police had first received report of the incident at around 10:10pm on Monday night, and confirmed as per GA. Villingilli Hospital that 17-year-old Udhayyu had passed away from injuries he had sustained in the violence.

In a tweet regarding the incident, Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed said that while Udhayuu had passed away from his injuries, the other youth injured on Monday following the violence in Maamendhoo remained in serious condition. CP Hameed revealed that the case was under investigation from MPS' Serious and Organized Crime Department, and has asked the residents of Maamendhoo to support the Police's efforts in uncovering the truth behind Monday night's incidence.

Three persons aged 18, 23 and 27 have now been arrested in relation to this case.

Udhayyu is the first person to have died from gang-related violence in the Maldives since 2019.