Prime Suspect of Kulhudhuffushi Campaign Office Arson Arrested at Airport 

A prime suspect in the recent torching of a campaign office in Kulhudhuffushi City was apprehended at Velana International Airport by police as he allegedly attempted to flee the country, authorities reported.

The campaign office was set ablaze on April 16, less than a week before the parliamentary elections took place.

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According to police officials, a 31-year-old man was arrested on Thursday in connection with the arson case. The following day, he was brought before a judge at the Criminal Court for a remand hearing.

Court documents indicated that the suspect was intercepted at the airport while attempting to board an outbound flight. It was revealed during proceedings that he had sought medical treatment for unspecified injuries on another island despite the availability of medical facilities in Kulhudhuffushi.

Investigators informed the court that the suspect had ignored a police summons, prompting his arrest at the airport as he allegedly tried to leave the country.

However, the suspect’s legal representative refuted claims of attempted escape, asserting that his client had planned to travel abroad for medical treatment for his child.

The defence further contended that the suspect had not received the police summons himself and was unaware of its delivery, suggesting that his younger sibling had collected it.

Following the hearing, Criminal Court judge Ali Adam ordered the suspect remanded in custody for ten days, citing substantial evidence.

The incident occurred just days before the closely contested parliamentary elections on April 21, in which more than 300 candidates vied for 93 seats in the Parliament.