Suspects arrested in PNC polling day violence rises to three

The police have arrested a third suspect in the violence that erupted at a polling station in Hulhumale’ on Saturday just after polls closed in the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC)’s internal elections.

The incident took place on Saturday night at the Kaamil Didi Primary School in Hulhumale’ Phase II, as party officials were counting the ballots. A group of men stormed into the polling station and attacked people, and damaged school property.

The police arrested two suspects under a court warrant on Sunday night, identified as Maldivian men aged 23 and 24.

A police spokesperson said on Monday that they also arrested a third suspect on Sunday night, identified as a Maldivian man aged 24.

All three were remanded in police custody for 15 days on Monday.

Videos of the incident show the clash erupted between two groups of men, who used chairs to assault each other.

Police officers were seen trying in vain to break up the fight.

The case is under investigation by the police.