Seven arrested for forcing minor into prostitution

Seven people have been arrested in Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo for forcing a 16-year-old girl into prostitution.

Police said that all seven people were arrested on the night of 19 February, after it was reported to police that they had all been involved in forcing the minor to engage in prostitution at a guest house in Thinadhoo at around 3:30 a.m. on 16 February.

The suspects are five men from Thinadhoo, one from Vaadhoo, and one from Vilingili; and they are aged between 18 and 30, said the police.

Thinadhoo Magistrate Court has given detention periods of 15 days for all seven suspects.

This case is under investigation by Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Family and Children’s Service Centre and Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo Police Station.