Alleged Ringleader in Hulhumalé Kidnapping Case Claims Dispute Over Passports

The alleged ringleader in the kidnapping and assault of a Bangladeshi worker at a construction site in Hulhumalé has told the Criminal Court that the attack was carried out after the victim refused to return passports belonging to a group of workers.

The incident was reported to the police on March 25, with authorities later locating the victim in Vilimalé. He was taken to hospital for treatment and was discharged after receiving care for his injuries.

Police arrested five Bangladeshi nationals on March 26 in connection with the case, identified as MD Sha Alam, MD Mehedi Hassan, MD Hossain, Saafif Hassan and Rasal. All five have been accused of unlawful restraint, kidnapping, coercion and assault.

On March 27, the Criminal Court remanded the suspects in custody after police presented evidence including photographs of the victim’s injuries, images of knives believed to have been used to threaten him, statements from officers and an eyewitness, CCTV footage, the victim’s statement and a medicolegal report.

Police have identified MD Hossain as the alleged ringleader, and he was brought before the Criminal Court of the Maldives on Friday for a remand extension hearing. During proceedings, the investigative officer stated that Hossain had used dangerous weapons to inflict serious injuries and had led the group involved in the attack.

According to court documents, Hossain admitted to assaulting the victim but claimed the incident was triggered by a dispute over passports. He denied using any weapons, stating that he had only used his fists, and further alleged that additional individuals beyond those arrested had also been involved.

The court extended Hossain’s remand by 30 days, while the remaining four suspects were remanded for an additional 15 days.