Six foreigners arrested in connection to violence in Fushivelaavaru

Six foreigners have been arrested following violence between a group of Maldivians and foreigners that took place in Fushivelaavaru, an island being developed as a tourist resort in Noonu Atoll.

Police said that six foreigners of ages 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 have been arrested in relation to the incident. The arrests were made around 05:30 early this morning, the police said, and that all six people are Bangladeshi citizens.

A man who spoke from the island said that they had to "beg" the police before they decided to attend to the matter. Police have denied the claim.

Police media official said that issue was reported to them at 21:45 last night.

Police said that two Maldivians of ages 19 and 25 were injured during the incident, and that both people have been released after being treated from the hospital in Noonu Manadhoo.

A person who spoke from Fushivelaavaru said that the violence broke out around 20:15 last night when two Maldivians who exited the dinning room had brushed against a group of foreigners who were standing near the exit.

He said that four foreigners attacked the two Maldivians and that they used a 1.5-inch-thick iron rod. He said that their injuries could not be detailed as the area was very dark.

A team from the police is now at the scene to investigate the incident.