Fate of Maldivian businessman arrested in India unknown

The fate of Maldivian businessman, Mohamed Yafiu, 27, held in Poojappura Prison in Thiruvananthapuram, India, for over a year is uncertain after Indian media reported two weeks back that he was due to be released.

When questioned regarding Yafiu, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives commented that it would “need to look into it.” The ministry was unavailable for comment despite repeated calls by “Sun” after that.

Yafiu was arrested by Indian police two years back as a suspected narcotics smuggler. The charge failed to be proven in court, and he was released from prison in November 2015.

Times of India reported that Yafiu’s visa had expired by the time he was released from prison, and that he was re-arrested and kept detained at Poojappura Prison by authorities who said he would be kept there until his visa is renewed.

Yafiu was reportedly banned from leaving the prison without permission.

He was later transferred from Poojappura Prison to police detention in a house in Thiruvananthapuram upon order of Indian High Court.

Times of India reported on January 9 that Yafiu was due to be released in a week.

It has been two weeks since then, and it is not clear if Yafiu has been released or not.