Police have announced that nine individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 22-year-old woman and several minors in Huvadhu Atoll.
In a message shared with the media, the police confirmed that all those taken into custody are Maldivian men.
"Nine individuals, all Maldivian males, have been arrested on suspicion in this case. A specialised investigative team from Male' has been dispatched to the island and is currently active on the ground. Further details regarding the case will be released by Police Media as the investigation progresses," the police stated.
The authorities previously noted that the case was first reported on Tuesday, involving the alleged sexual assault of a 22-year-old woman on an island within the Upper South Police Division.
Police further revealed that during the course of the investigation, additional allegations surfaced involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of several minors.
To protect the identity of the minors involved, the police have not disclosed the specific island or atoll where the incidents occurred.
The police emphasized that the matter is being investigated as a serious case. The Upper South Police Division comprises Gaafu Alif and Gaafu Dhaalu Atolls, where a total of 10 police stations are located.
