16-year-old arrested following group violence involving minors

A 16-year-old Maldivian boy has been arrested in connection with a violent altercation near Hiyaa Park in Hulhumalé Phase II on Sunday night.

Maldives Police Service said it received reports of the incident at approximately 20:40pm last night. According to Police, the violence erupted between two rival groups, with those involved identified as minors aged between 16 and 17. The cause of the altercation has not yet been disclosed.

No serious injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.

“The circumstances surrounding the case is under further investigation,” the Police said in a message to the media.

The incident comes amid a recent increase in group-related violence across the Greater Malé area and several atolls. On Monday, four young men were arrested on suspicion of attempting to carry out a knife attack linked to a gang-related dispute. Earlier, on July 15th, an incident involving violence among three minors was reported at the Temporary Residential Treatment Center for Children in HA. Hoarafushi.

Amid a growing number of youths and minors becoming involved in violent confrontations, police have assured the public that they are closely monitoring the situation and implementing a multi-layered strategy aimed at preventing violence and safeguarding public safety.