Youth who sustained serious injuries in assault in Nilandhoo taken to Male

A 22-year-old who was seriously injured in an assault incident in Gaafu Alifu Nilandhoo last night has been taken to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Male’.

Media Official of IGMH Zeenath Ali Habeeb said that the victim, Hamdhoon Gasim of Bokivilaage, Gaafu Alifu Kanduhulhudho, is currently undergoing treatment at IGMH. She said that further details will be provided later.

Nilandhoo Council said that during the assault, Hamdhoon Gasim was attacked in his head, nape of his neck, left side of his back, shoulder, chest, left thigh, and left ankle with a plastic pipe filled with concrete.

He was taken to Male’ at around 15:45 today as it was not possible to treat him further at Gaafu Alifu Atoll Hospital.

Gaafu Alifu Nilandhoo Council Member Asif Mohamed said that the incident was reported to the police immediately at 21:00 last night, but by the time the police arrived in the island it was 01:30 in the morning.

He said that the police left the island shortly afterwards.

He said that the police have a post in Gaafu Alifu Dhaandhoo which is ten minutes from Nilandhoo, and the late arrival by the police is likely to hinder the investigation of the crime.

Asif said that no arrests have been made following the assault.

“Serious assault took place in the island last year as well. Several people have used drugs and are involved in drug trafficking. We report these crimes, but by the time the police arrive, everything is finished. The closest police post is in Dhaandhoo, which is ten minutes away. But last night the assault was reported at 21:00, but by the time they arrived in the island it was 01:30. We are deeply concerned,” he said.

A Police Media Official said that no arrests have been made following the assault in Nilandhoo last night, but search efforts for the suspects are under way.