MNDF's lack of investigation into Himmafushi bullet is concerning: Ex-Commissioner

MP for Kinbidhoo constituency and former Commissioner of Police, Abdulla Riyaz has expressed concern over a press release issued by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) regarding a bullet found on the window of a civilian's residence in Kaafu Himmafushi.

MNDF, in a statement issued on Sunday, said that the bullet found on the window could not have originated from its Girifushi Training Center, as the type of bullet found could not have traveled the distance. However, they had failed to provide the origin of the bullet.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, the ex-police commissioner said that the matter "must be investigated as a serious case."

Noting that this is the second such incident, Riyaz emphasized that bullet could have hit an individual. There was a similar incident in Himmafushi two years ago as well.

Questioning where the bullet came from, Riyaz asked "if the bullet did not come from the training center, does it mean there are others that are armed?"

He said that the Maldives Police Service must investigate the matter thoroughly.

"The bullet could not have traveled from Girifushi to Himafushi"

MNDF said that the bullet discovered on the door of a civilian's home in Kaafu Atoll Himmafushi, "could not have traveled all the way from the Girifushi Training Center."

"The type of bullet found on the door of Lily-Night could not have traveled from the Girifushi Training Center to Himmafushi. Relevant measures are taken, when training sessions that require the use of bullets and other weaponry are held at the Training Center, in order to ensure the no person in injured, or property is damaged," said MNDF in its statement.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, an official from the Himmafushi Council said that the house, where the bullet was found, "is located on the beach-side, with Girifushi Island located directly opposite the area."

MNDF said that none of the weapons used in its training sessions could have caused any damage to any individuals, adding that all necessary safety measures are taken at the center.