Maldives Police Service (MPS) has said that the photo shared by MP Ahmed Mahloof, of former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb in his prison cell, is authentic.

Speaking to RaajjeMV on Tuesday, media official at the MPS admitted that the image was taken at a location which is under the institution.

He added that they are currently investigating on how the photo was made public, but declined to share any further information on the matter.

The MP for South-Galolhu constituency shared the photo via twitter on Monday, expressing concern over the former VP's treatment in prison, adding that he feared that Adeeb might be assassinated.

Adeeb's defence lawyer, Mahfooz Saeed had, in an interview to RaajjeTV on Monday night, said the photo is real and that that they had nothing to do with the photograph, adding that photo "must have come from someone within the police".

Furthermore, noting that they had learnt of a plot to assassinate the former vice president, Mahfooz said the police have been informed of the matter, asking them to take all the necessary steps to make sure this does not happen.

Adeeb is serving a 33-year jail sentence over terror and corruption charges, and his team and family have been working to take him abroad for medical treatment.