Police arrest 29‑year‑old after CCTV links him to fire near Galolhu mortuary

Police have arrested a 29 year old man on suspicion of arson in connection with last week’s fire at the house located near the Galolhu mortuary.

The fire broke out at G. Hiyaaroadhi, an unused residence in Huvafenee Goalhi, shortly after a man was seen entering and leaving the premises. CCTV footage circulating on social media shows a man arriving on a motorcycle, wearing dark sunglasses and a black‑and‑white shirt, before entering the house. Moments after he left, the building caught fire.

No injuries were reported in the incident. MNDF firefighters brought the blaze under control within an hour, according to earlier reports.

Police confirmed that the suspect was arrested on charges of arson and damage to property and has been remanded for five days. The arrest report states that investigators have obtained CCTV footage and a timeline showing the suspect entering and exiting the house shortly before the fire.

Under Section 220 of the Penal Code, deliberately setting fire to another person’s property, vehicle, or building constitutes the offence of arson. The severity of the charge depends on the extent of the damage and whether the act endangered lives.

If the fire is set in a residential area or creates a life‑threatening situation, the offence is classified as a second‑degree felony. In other circumstances, it may fall under third‑ or fourth‑degree felony categories. Prosecutors must establish that the act was intentional or carried out with the intent to damage property.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the motive behind the incident.