Search for Rilwan expanded to include sea

The Maldives Police Service and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) have expanded the search efforts for missing journalist Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla, to include the sea around Hulhumale’.

Speaking at a press conference today, Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer said that the government takes this matter very seriously, and will take all possible action to find Rilwan.

He said that MNDF has commenced search efforts in the sea following a request by the police.

“Defence Ministry is assisting the police in their search operations. This includes joint search efforts at sea by police and MNDF divers,” said Umar.

He further said that several locations were searched under court warrants yesterday, and this work will continue today as well.

Rilwan was reported missing by his family on 13 August.

The Home Minister also urged anyone with information regarding Rilwan to step forward and contact the police at 119, 3322111, or 9889999.

Police said earlier that despite the CCTV footage, which shows Rilwan buying a ticket at Hulhumale’ Ferry Terminal in Male’ and entering the waiting area, it cannot yet be confirmed that he boarded the ferry and reached Hulhumale’.