19 arrested by police in special operation released

Police have released all 19 people they arrested on Friday night in a special crackdown after two fatal stabbings that took the lives of two 14-year-olds in Male’.

Ahmed Irusham Hilmy (K. Kaashidhoo) and Faathir Mohamed Ali (M. Sharumaage) – both 14-year-old boys succumbed to their injuries moments after they were brought to hospital with stab wounds.

Irusham was stabbed in a street gang fight on Friday evening, and Faathir was stabbed later on Friday night while in his home.

Police ran a special crackdown after the two murders in which they arrested 19 individuals - eight from M. Jade, seven from H. Dhoohimerige, and four from M. Lonumidhilige.

Police reported on Sunday that the individuals were kept in police lockdown for 24 hours and then released due to insubstantial evidence.

The special operation to maintain peace within Male’ was extended to Saturday and Saturday night as well after another stabbing took place less than 24 hours later, on Saturday, with the victim this time a 24-year-old man.

Military officers and police dogs joined police officers in Saturday night’s operation.