Criminal investigation launched on repeated fires at Kudakudhinge Hiyaa

Maldives Police Service has stated that they have launched a criminal investigation on the repeated fires which took place at Vilimale’ Kudakudhinge Hiyaa.

Children’s Ombudspersons Office has stated the building at which children under state care are sheltered at, is not fit to house children.

On January 17, Children’s Ombudspersons Office announced that they had requested Maldives Police Service to carry out a criminal investigation of the repeated fires at Kudakudhinge Hiyaa – for the purpose of making the management of the children’s shelter more responsible.

A Police Spokesperson confirmed to Sun today that a criminal investigation has been launched as per the request by Children’s Ombudspersons Office.

“The investigation of the case is currently underway. No arrested has been regarding the case yet,” the Spokesperson had said.

Children’s Ombudspersons Office stated that carrying out the operations at Kudakudhinge Hiyaa without the necessary fire safety arrangements to protect both the building and the children is an infringement of the right to live of these children.

A total of four fires broke out at Vilimale’ Kudakudhinge Hiyaa within the span of last year.

The last fire broke out in the room of one of the children. Whilst it is alleged that the child living in the room had committed arson, the employees at the shelter has been accused of not taking any action and spectating the incident.