Man accused of crashing into police vehicle: ‘Officers knocked me off from motorbike, assaulted me’

A young man accused of crashing into a police vehicle alleged in the Criminal Court on Sunday that officers deliberately struck his motorcycle to knock him off and subsequently subjected him to physical assault.

The 26-year-old from K. Maafushi has been remanded in custody for seven days by the court. He is facing allegations of obstructing police duties and damaging property.

The court order noted that preliminary evidence, including reports submitted by officers who attended the scene, had been presented against the suspect. According to the court order, the man was riding dangerously on the Sinamalé Bridge highway by lying flat on the motorcycle without wearing a helmet.

The Investigating Officer (IO) told the court that the suspect failed to stop when instructed and deliberately crashed into a police vehicle. The youth denied crashing into the police vehicle, claiming instead that the officers struck his motorcycle, causing him to fall. He further alleged that the officers physically assaulted him following the incident.

The suspect declined the opportunity to obtain legal representation. As a result, the court reminded him that any statements made during the proceedings could be used against him and that he had the right to remain silent. The court has instructed the IO to conduct further investigations into the circumstances of the incident.

The Maldives Police Service issued a warning on Saturday that it would take stricter measures, including publicly disclosing the identities of individuals, to deter repeated instances of dangerous driving that pose a threat to public safety.