Man under investigation for sexual abuse of stepdaughters

Maldives Police Service has launched an investigation into a man in Central Maldives accused of sexually abusing his two stepdaughters.

Chief police spokesperson Izmia Zahir said on Monday that the case against the suspect, identified only as a 55-year-old Maldivian male, was filed with the police on Saturday, February 1.

“The victims in the case are both under 18 years of age,” said Izmia.

Special Provisions Act to Deal with Child Sex Abuse Offenders sets out special provisions to deal with child sex offenders both at investigative and trial stages.

It prescribes a prison sentence of 15 to 18 years, if the person who carried out the offense is in a position of trust over the victim.