Man discovered dead in Addu taro field

The body of a businessman, reported missing after a burglary at his general store, was found dead in an abandoned taro field in southern Addu City this morning.

The search for Ali Abdulla, 47 years, began at 7am when his relatives noticed that his store, Two Waves, in the Hitadhoo ward had been looted last night. Abdulla’s body was found at 8:50am, the police said.

His motorcycle was found parked a few feet away.

Abdulla Sodiq, Addu City mayor, told The Maldives Independent that signs of injuries were visible on Abdulla’s face and limbs.

Family members have told local media they suspected that Abdulla might have been strangled to death.

Condemning the murder, MP Ibrahim Mohamed Didi, of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party, called on law enforcement authorities to ensure a proper investigation takes place.

The police said they have been conducting a special operation to curb crime in Addu City since February 24, and have seized utensils used to brew alcohol.