Police say they have arrested an elderly man for alleged sexual abuse of children in an island from the southern atolls.
Police said that a 61-year-old local man was arrested with allegations of sexual abuse against a 12-year-old girl. They said the suspect was arrested under a court order.
Police also said that when the suspect was presented at court for his remand hearing, the Court ruled to keep him in custody till the investigation into the case was completed.
The incident was reported from an island in one of the southern Atolls including Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, and Seenu.
Protests were staged at the island where the incident was reported as residents gathered outside its police station demanding justice for the victim.
In cases related to the abuse and alleged abuse of children, the Police do not reveal the islands and identity of the victims to protect them from the stigma related to such cases.
For the past few years, Police have been prioritizing the crimes committed against minors and children with sexual crimes given special importance.
Police have also been working to protect the identity of victims of such heinous crimes and have withheld information about the victim’s island or atoll or where the crimes happened in multiple cases.
