Police find no evidence of arson in fire that burned down motorbikes

Police say they not found any evidence to suggest the fire on early Monday, which burned down multiple vehicles parked in a road in Henveiru district of Male’ City, was deliberately set.

The fire was reported to the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) at around 12:37 am.

It took place at the Meheli Goalhi, located near the petrol shed in front of the Alimas Carnival area.

Firefighters put out the fire at around 12:42 am.

While the incident did not result in any injuries, it damaged five motorcycles beyond repair.

Chief police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ahmed Shifan, wrote on X on Monday morning that police have found no evidence that the fire was deliberate.

“As of right now, the evidence points to it being accidental,” he said.

The statement follows allegations the fire was deliberately set.

In addition to damaging multiple vehicles, the fire also created cracks on the glass windows on the ground floor of Fehivinamaage, a residential building outside which the vehicles were parked.

The latest fire in Male’ comes after motorcycles in a parking zone in front of Maldives’ parliament building, the People’s Majlis, were torched in the early hours of June 3.

The fire damaged three motorcycles beyond repair, and also damaged four other motorcycles and a van parked nearby.

The police arrested a 36-year-old Maldivian man is connection to the case on June 6.

He was remanded in jail for 30 days.