Number of murders increases in 2012

Maldives Police Service has revealed that the number of murders and other forms of deaths had increased during the year 2012.

A report detailing the statistics of crimes published by the police today stated that last year saw a few murders that had shocked the nation. It highlights the premeditated murder of a famous lawyer, the murder of a member of parliament, and the murder of a policeman, amongst others. The report notes that during the 80 year history of the police service, a policeman was murdered for the first time last year.

Containing statistics from the year 2011 and 2012, the report shows that a total 10 murder incidents were reported to the police last year, in contrast to 3 incidents of murder reported during 2011.

The report also states that the police had investigated and forwarded 8 murder cases to the Prosecutor General’s Office for prosecution.

A total of 63 deaths were reported to the police last year, which include deaths during SCUBA diving activities, road accidents, deaths due to falling from high places, drowning and suicides.

Similar to 2011, two infanticide cases were reported in 2012. The report also shows that 6 cases of abortion were reported to the police last year, compared to 13 cases reported in 2011. The statistics also show that 9 people were reported to have died during snorkeling accidents and an another 3 people due to diving accidents.