Police decline investigation after council protests land being allotted to Hirimaradhoo residents

Police have decided not to investigate a complaint filed over the allocation of land in HDh. Hanimaadhoo for residents of Hirimaradhoo, ruling that the matter does not constitute a criminal offence.

The issue has sparked protests among Hanimaadhoo residents, who argue that land should not be allotted to Hirimaradhoo families before the needs of Hanimaadhoo islanders are met.

Hanimaadhoo Council Vice President Firaaq Mohamed said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that the government was allocating land to Hirimaradhoo residents without the council’s permission. He said trees removed during the work had not been compensated for, and that the allocation violated the island’s land‑use plan.

Firaaq said the work began on a large plot that had already been paid for, and that those carrying out the work were instructed to stop. The matter was then reported to police.

However, police have decided not to pursue the case. A media official said the concerns raised by the council relate to “an administrative transaction between two institutions,” and that “no criminal offence has been identified.”

Police advised the parties involved to seek a legal remedy through the appropriate administrative or judicial channels.

Hirimaradhoo, with a population of fewer than 300 people, decided last February to relocate to Hanimaadhoo. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has previously said the relocation will be completed within six years, once housing is constructed.