Police accused of torturing Bangladeshi man arrested in 3-kilo drug bust

Haneef, 36, Bangladesh. (Photo/Maldives Police Service)

The police have been accused of torturing a Bangladeshi man arrested in a counter-narcotics operation that led to the seizure of three kilos of drugs.

Haneef, 36, and his Maldivian employer, Azhad Naseem, 28, were arrested by the police on February 20.

Haneef has lodged a case with the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM), accusing the police of torturing him.

He remains in police custody.

Combined photos of (frok L-R) Haneef, 36, Bangladesh; and Azhad Naseem, 28, Fiyaathoshi Villa, GA. Maamendhoo. (Photo/Maldives Police Service)

Haneef, who was initially remanded for five days, was taken to the Criminal Court on Sunday for an extension to his remand.

The court extended his remand by 30 days.

The remand order shows that Haneef told the court that he was tortured by the police, and has reported it to the HRCM.

The police and the HRCM have yet to comment on the allegation.

The police previously said that investigators searched two vehicles and seized three kilos of drugs in the February 20 operation that led to the arrest of Haneef and his employer.