Parliament representative for Maavashu constituency Mohamed Saeed questioned where police were when the body of an abducted and murdered 13-year-old was dumped in the waters of Hulhumale' Phase 2, and whether the police had fulfilled their duty.
Police stated the body of Raaif Anwar was recovered around 02.30 am on Tuesday, during an investigation launched after reports of his kidnapping on Sunday.
During a debate initiated by fellow Member of Parliament Hussain Firushan, Saeed claimed that these incidents were signs of the government's failure, and has exposed the weaknesses of those in power.
He mentioned the incident triggered the public to ask important questions, including what laws were missing to have let these crimes occur, and why the police were unaware of the brutal murder and disposal of the body that transpired during curfew hours.
"The child was abducted and transported during curfew hours. The roads are usually not even busy. Why were officers in the streets unable to notice these things? The public demands answers".
Saeed believes the government has never witnessed such dark days and stated the government had failed to ensure the safety of its citizens.
The 17-year-old and 27-year-old Maldivian males arrested for the murder face charges of sexual assault. The 27-year-old will remain in police custody until the conclusion of the investigation. The 17-year-old will be remanded for 15 days.