Special team dispatched to Rasdhoo to probe bullying case

A special team has been dispatched to AA. Rasdhoo to investigate a disturbing incident on Thursday when a young boy was verbally and physically assaulted in the restroom of a mosque during Tarawih prayer.

In a post on X on Saturday afternoon, police spokesperson Ahmed Shifan said a team is operating in Rasdhoo in response to the case. According to Shifan, the team is composed of officials from the police, Ministry of Social and Family Development, and the Department of Juvenile Justice.

މި މައްސަލައާއި ގުޅިގެން @PoliceMv ، @MSFDmv އަދި @mv_djj ގެ އޮފިޝަލުން ހިމެނޭޓީމެއް އއ.ރަސްދޫގައި މިހާރުދަނީ ހަރަކާތްތެރިވަމުން. @PoliceMvCP @min_mohst @

— Ahmed Shifan (@Shifan4040) April 6, 2024

In a statement on late Friday, the police said they had identified the culprits as a 13-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy.

A video of the incident leaked on social media on Friday.

The disturbing video, which stops just short of two minutes, shows the bullies verbally abuse and repeatedly hit the victim, who appears just a few years younger. They also snatch a water bottle the boy is holding and pours the contents over his head. They also make him kneel down, as he pleads for them to stop.

Home Minister Ali Ihusan responded to the incident by promising that he will ensure that perpetrators of violence against children are meted out the harshest punishment possible.

The police urge the public against sharing the video of the incident as well as other similar incidents on social media to protect the dignity of child victims and prevent them from getting re-victimized.

The police said they are collaborating with relevant institutions to provide psychosocial support to the young boy.