Child abuse suspect arrested in Molhadhoo

A man accused of sexually abusing two children was arrested Saturday from the island on Molhadhoo in Haa Alif atoll, local media reported.

The 46-year-old was taken into custody with an arrest warrant, police confirmed, declining to reveal further information.

The suspect has been remanded for 15 days.

Sources from the island told Vnews the man is alleged to have molested a 13-year-old girl and a 10-year old girl, one of whom was his niece.

The man was from Uligamu island and has been living in Molhadhoo in the same atoll with his family, including his wife, children and a grandchild, the source added.

According to police statistics, 40 cases of sexual offences were reported in October.

Out of the 31 cases of sexual offences in September, the gender ministry received 24 cases of child sexual abuse.

Some 314 cases of sexual assault have been reported so far this year.