Main instigator of Artificial Beach riot to be deported

The Maldives Immigration on Monday has said it would be deporting the main instigator of the riot that broke out in Artificial Beach, Male’ City earlier on December 6, 2024.

The authority in a post on X confirmed the individual in question was brought under Immigration custody with the help of Maldives Police Service.

Immigration also disclosed the identity of the prime suspect, named Amrit Singh, aged 25 years. The authority added it was already making arrangements to have the individual deported.

Maldives Police Service received reports of a fight breaking out at Artificial Beach on December 6^th around 18:22 hrs. Video clips of the incident show several expatriates assaulting each other during the riot.

The Controller General of Immigration, Shamman Waheed assured strict action against everyone involved in the riot while the authority earlier confirmed apprehending others in relation to the incident.

Previously, in April the Minister of Homeland Security Ali Ihusan assured expatriates found in breach of Maldives’ laws, especially those culpable of criminal offences will be deported within 48 hours.

Meanwhile, a special task force comprising of local authorities have been established to tackle issues related to immigrants, including criminal conduct, assault, and homicide.