Police have said they are not investigating the unauthorised felling of an ancient banyan tree in a children's park in Vilimale'.
The police confirmed that no formal complaint has been lodged regarding the cutting down of the banyan tree, and therefore, the institution is not conducting an inquiry into the matter.
The tree was cut down last July, and photos from the scene show that a portion of the large, sprawling banyan had been removed.
At the time, the Male’ City Council denied any involvement in felling the tree. The council further stated that efforts were underway to identify those responsible for the act.
The incident occurred amidst ongoing disputes regarding the construction of flats in Vilimale'. Some residents oppose the development of housing units, fearing it would destroy the greenery of the island, which is currently a vehicle-free zone. But another group supports the construction of both flats and a hospital on the island.
Tensions between these two groups had previously flared during a meeting held by the Male’ City Council with Vilimale' residents. Similar confrontations occurred during a protest organized against the removal of trees on the island.
Earlier this year, President Mohamed Muizzu called for a vote regarding the removal of a large banyan tree in Vilimale'. The vote was conducted during a town hall meeting held by the President with the local community.
