Public Help Sought as Police Investigate Devastating Fire at Government Buildings

News

The Maldives Police Service is urging the public to assist in the investigation of a fire that caused significant damage to four key government buildings on Thursday. The fire, which began around 6:30 am at the Housing Ministry, quickly spread to the Green Building, which housed the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy.

Though the blaze was brought under control after four hours, the buildings sustained considerable damage. At a press conference held at Dharubaaruge on Saturday, Commissioner of Police (CP) Ali Shujau confirmed that overseas assistance would be sought to help investigate the incident. Police forensic teams are currently collecting and analyzing CCTV footage from the scene as part of their efforts.

In his statement, CP Shujau also emphasized that the police are working to gather eyewitness testimonies to assist the investigation and urged anyone with relevant information to contact authorities via 9911099.

The incident has sparked political controversy, with the Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) accusing the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) of negligence in handling the situation. The MDP has since submitted the matter for review by parliament.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and are working to determine whether it was accidental or the result of foul play.