Police have launched an investigation into an alleged assault on a resident by several minors residing at the children's center in Haa Alif Hoarafushi.
In a message to the media, the police said they are investigating an incident where three children from the Hoarafushi children's center left the facility last night and assaulted an individual in the island.
"The police are looking into the necessary details regarding an incident reported on the night of July 14, 2026, involving three children at the temporary Residential Treatment Center in Haa Alif Hoarafushi," the police stated.
Authorities further noted that the investigation is being conducted in coordination with the relevant agencies.
Rumours circulated on social media last night claiming that children from the center had left the facility, held a person hostage on the island's beach, and physically assaulted them.
Following the incident, tensions rose on the island, and videos circulating on social media show residents gathered outside the center expressing their outrage.
