Investigation launched into a child being threatened into smoking

Ministry of Family and Social Development has launched an investigation into an alleged attempt to force a 10-year-old child to smoke a cigarette in a central Maldivian island.

The case had come to light after family members of the 10-year-old shared details of the incident on social media.

In this regard, the child’s grandmother, via a post on social media, said the incident took place as the child was on the way to the mosque for Maqrib prayer on Saturday evening.

According to the grandmother, the child was stopped by two 17-year-olds under Ministry of Family and Social Development’s care while on the way to the mosque, who then led him to secluded spot. There, the teens searched his pockets, asked if he had any money, and demanded that he hand over whatever he had.

The grandmother detailed that the teenagers also physically assaulted the child, pressing a cigarette butt against his body and attempting to force him to smoke it. She added that when the child told the teenagers he would report their actions to his parents, they threatened him, warning that his mother and father would be killed.

She further said when the family contacted the Ministry to report the incident, they were told the matter would be investigated by the centre located on the island. However, she stressed that the Ministry declined to provide a contact number for the center, saying it could only be reached during official working hours.

The grandmother has accused the center’s staff of showing serious negligence in their responsibility to care for the children housed there.

The child’s father also wrote about the incident on social media, stating that his child has been deeply traumatized by what happened. He urged authorities to investigate the teenagers involved and ensure justice is served.

Speaking to Sun regarding the issue, an official from the Ministry of Family and Social Development stated that the Ministry had already launched an investigation into the incident after receiving a report, prior to it being shared on social media.

The Ministry affirmed that it would always investigate cases related to children with top priority, adding that it allocates a special priority to ensure the safety and security of all children.