Eleven arrested for assaulting police officers in Vilingili

Eleven people have been arrested on suspicion of attacking police officers in Gaafu Alifu Vilingili.

Police said that the suspects, all Maldivian men, are aged between 18 and 31.

Two incidents of attacks on police officers took place in Vilingili on Tuesday.

The first incident was an attack on a police officer during a volley match, which left the officer bleeding from the head.

As the injured officer was taken to the Health Centre, a group gathered near the Health Centre and threw stones, leaving four more officers injured.

Vilingili Council President Niyaz Nizar said that the attacks began after a police officer, while on duty, assaulted a group of young people.

“I am certain that there is one police officer who assaults a group of young people. This is not a suspicion, there are photos to prove this. This is the truth. We have met with the police to discuss this issue. They said the matter is under investigation by PIC [Police Integrity Commission],” he said.

The police spokesperson also confirmed that the matter is under investigation.

Following these developments, a police team arrived in Vilingili on Tuesday to prevent further unrest between police and members of the public.