The police decided against investigating the alleged misuse of the national identity database to fraudulently boost the ruling party’s membership, Raajje TV reported, citing a source with knowledge of a meeting among senior officers last week. But the police spokesman denied the claims.
Two suspects who tried to flee after stabbing a man in Hulhumalé were arrested close to midnight on Sunday. Rusthum Ibrahim, 25, and Saifullah Faisal, 19, were stopped on the highway to Malé with a hatchet and knife, police told the media. The victim was discharged after treatment at the Hulhumalé hospital.
A fire broke out at a vacant house in Malé. Firefighters doused the flames an hour after the fire was reported at 6:35am. According to the NDMA, 55 people, including 20 foreign nationals, were provided temporary shelter after the fire damaged water pipes at two residences.
The Maldives strongly condemned the Israeli prime minister’s “irresponsible and provocative” statements calling for a Palestinian state within the territory of Saudi Arabia.
The government announced extended business operating hours for Ramadan. With effect on March 1, cafés and restaurants can stay open until 3am but shops must close at 1am.