Female teacher under investigation for grooming an eighth grader

The police have opened an investigation into a female school teacher following the allegation she groomed an eighth grader in southern Maldives.

A police spokesperson said on Thursday that the case was reported to the authorities on January 21.

“The police are investigating this case and have shared information with relevant authorities,” said the spokesperson.

But when questioned regarding this, the Education Ministry said that they have not received a report regarding such an incident.

The police are also investigating a male teacher in a school in the greater Male’ area following allegations he repeatedly sexually abused one of his students.

Crimes against children are treated by the police as serious offenses. The law enforcement agency does not disclose the island where such crimes take place in order to protect the identity of victims.

Special Provisions Act to Deal with Child Sex Offenders, which declares special provisions to deal with child sex offenders both at investigative and trial stages, prescribes a prison sentence of 15 to 18 years, if the person who carried out the offense holds a position of authority over the victim.

Those with information regarding crimes against children are urged to call the Maldives Police Service’s Family and Child Protection Department at 3000600 or the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services’ helpline 1412.