Male Deputy Mayor Nareesh Attacked While Campaigning, Man Arrested in Connection with Attack

Male’ City Deputy Mayor Ahmed Nareesh has been attacked during a visit to his home island. A man connected with the attack has now been arrested, according to the Maldives Police Service.

Nareesh told The Maldives Journal that he had gone to the island of G.A. Maamendhoo for iftar at the invitation of the people of the island. When he returned to his home island, Kolamaafushi, the attack took place.

He stated that the MDP leader of his island had confronted him at the port when he arrived and threatened him openly.

Nareesh added that the attackers tried to attack him with an iron pipe, but the people there prevented them from doing so. Police arrived at the scene and stopped the fighting, he said.

"Before the attack, [the MDP leader of his island] said he would drive me out of [Male] city. He attacked me from behind," he said.

Nareesh said he sustained shoulder injuries from the fight. The damage will become clearer when he visits a doctor in Male City.

Since, the attack, a man has been arrested for allegedly attacking Deputy Mayor Ahmed Nareesh while he was attending a campaign rally in Maamendhoo today.

Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent of Police Ahmed Shifan told the media that the accused has been arrested and the case is being investigated.

The incident was reported to the police at around 5:00 pm yesterday, police said. The case is currently being investigated, the Maldives Police Service said.