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Thinadhoo Mayor, Councilors accused of taking city council salaries before city status

Thinadhoo City Council officials pose for a photo. (Photo/PSM)

A complaint has been submitted to the Local Government Authority (LGA) accusing GDh. Thinadhoo Mayor and Councilors of taking a salary equivalent to officials of a city council before Thinadhoo was granted city status.

The complaint was filed by lawyer Ahmed Ragib, who was dismissed as Deputy Minister for Environment after challenging Thinadhoo’s city status in a constitutional case.

In his complaint, Ragib argued that taking a higher salary than the designated amount constitutes a misuse of official capacity and an undue financial gain.

LGA responded to the complaint via letter in which they said Ragib's allegations are considered an act of corruption. The authority underscored that the case would be investigated if referred to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

As such, LGA instructed Ragib to file the case with ACC and Maldives Police Service.

LGA affirmed that appropriate measures would be implemented should these authorities recommend any administrative action following their investigation.

Thinadhoo was granted city status on August 30, 2023, by then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during the 2023 presidential campaign. The current administration has decided not to revisit the decision.

In his court filing, Ragib claimed that Thinadhoo’s population is under the legal threshold of 10,000 required for city designation. However, the court decided not to review the case.

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