Court orders police to return a towed bike despite protest

Civil Court has ordered police to return a motorbike towed for illegal parking, after police refused to return it, claiming it was a stolen bike.

Ismail Shafiu Mohamed (M. Veylaa, Male’) filed the lawsuit after police refused to return his motorbike (A0B2898), claiming it was a stolen vehicle.

Civil Court reached a verdict on the case on Tuesday.

The Court noted in their verdict that there had so far been no complaints filed with the police over the motorbike in question being stolen. And that Shafiu was the registered owner of the motorbike according to documents kept with Transport Authority.

Court said that there was no room for doubt regarding Shafiu’s ownership of the motorbike in view of documents presented to court. And ordered the police and State to return the bike to

Shafiu within three days – starting from August 9.

Police information officer Ismail Ali spoke to “Sun” and said that those who wished to reclaim towed vehicles needed to prove ownership of the vehicle, and that those who failed to prove ownership needed to go to court.

“There are sometimes motorbikes made using parts from other bikes and then registered. So the police will compare the engine of the motorbike with the registry number. Police will not release the motorbike if the numbers fail to match, or if the person fails to prove ownership,” said Ismail.

He said that the motorbike will be released to the owner under court order.