A 30-year-old man accused of raping a tourist on a resort has been barred from leaving the country, Police said on Friday.
Police said the suspect's passport was held after they requested the court for an order to forbid him from leaving the country.
The court order was issued on Thursday.
The case was reported to the police on June 11. The police came under intense public criticism after the victim posted complaints on social media and wrote to political leaders of the country.
"At this stage, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. However, the Maldives Police Service wants to assure the public that all necessary investigative actions are being taken to ensure a comprehensive examination of the case," the police said in a statement on Wednesday.
Police said forensic teams were deployed to the scene to collect crucial evidence, samples were taken and statements were recorded when the case was reported. They added that the victim was provided immediate medical assistance.
Although no suspects have been detained, police assured that a comprehensive investigation will be done.
"We are currently awaiting the results of forensic samples taken from both the victim and the individual in question," the statement added.
According to some reports, the Chinese woman who was holidaying in the Maldives was raped by a male employee of the resort.
