Security Heightened Amidst Surge in Gang Activity

Photo: Police
Maldives Police Service (MPS) have reported an increase in criminal group activities within Male’ City as the second round of the presidential elections are underway, in a press release this afternoon.
ޖިނާއީ ކުށްތަކަށް އަރައިގަންނަ ގުރޫޕްތަކުގެ ހަރަކާތްތައް މާލެތެރޭގައި އިތުރުވަމުންދާކަމަށް ފާހަގަ ކުރެވުމާ ގުޅިގެން ސަލާމަތީ ފިޔަވަޅުތައް ވަރުގަދަކުރުމާގުޅޭ#OperationBlueWave pic.twitter.com/LJE7B5PFRn
— Maldives Police (@PoliceMv) September 30, 2023
In response, heightened security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of the public during this crucial event.
The police disclosed that they have been receiving numerous reports concerning individuals affiliated with criminal organisations resorting to threats, intimidation, and, in some instances, physical attacks against individuals engaged in the election process.
This announcement comes on the heels of two incidents today, involving lawmakers representing constituencies in Addu.
Feydhoo MP Mohamed Nihad fell victim to an assault in the Feydhoo district of Addu, while Maradhoo MP Ibrahim Shareef was similarly attacked while staying at the Manhattan Business Hotel in Male’.
To counteract the escalating security concerns, the police had previously elevated their alert status to the highest level earlier in the week.
This heightened state of readiness will persist until after the conclusion of the elections, including the announcement of results.