Police probe public practice of idolatry in Bilehdhoo by migrant workers

Maldives Police Service is probing a case of migrant workers in F. Bilehdhoo publicly practicing idolatry on the island.

A photo showing a group of foreigners walk on a street of Bilehdhoo, whilst holding an idol, went viral on social media on Friday. Later on, a video of Bilehdhoo residents searching the living quarters of migrants also began circulating on social media.

Commenting regarding the matter, Bilehdhoo Council President Ahmed Aslam told Sun that the incident took place on Thursday afternoon. However, he noted the issue was brought to the Council’s attention sometime last night, through social media.

Underscoring that a team of police officers had arrived on the island from F. Nilandhoo to probe the case – Aslam said the Council has request the strictest punishment against the workers.

“The suspects involved in the case have been identified as three Indians. We did request the strictest punishment against them,” he had said.

A Bilehdhoo resident who was involved in the search of the workers’ living quarters detailed to Sun that two places the workers were residing in were searched in the presence of police, council and the general public. The resident detailed that when the workers were questioned, they admitted to crafting the idol on their own.

“They said they crafted the idol on their own. That it was sculpted from mud and was painted using a color box they had,” the resident had said.

The resident said that no additional idols were discovered in their living quarters. However, the resident noted having discovered mud and a color box from the place.

“They said after completing their prayers, they had drowned the idol in sea,” the resident also added.

Police said that they were investigating the matter further.