The Commissioner of Police and the Maldives Police Service have strongly condemned an incident in which a speeding motorcycle struck a police officer on duty at a vehicle checkpoint on the Sinamalé Bridge highway, leaving the officer seriously injured.
The incident happened at around 4:29 am today on the Malé-to-Hulhumalé lane of the highway. Police said the motorcycle, travelling at more than 100 kilometres per hour, hit a barricade set up on the road before striking the officer.
The officer suffered serious injuries, including a fractured jaw and broken teeth, and is receiving treatment at ADK Hospital.
According to police, initial findings suggest the act was deliberate, carried out to obstruct a special operation against dangerous driving and to intimidate officers. Three other motorcycles were also involved at the time of the incident.
The motorcycle involved in the crash was towed, and the two people on it were taken into police custody. Police later located two more people and another motorcycle linked to the incident, and they have also been taken into custody.
In a statement, the Commissioner of Police said officers will not be deterred by physical or psychological threats directed at them and will remain steadfast in carrying out their legal duty to ensure public safety. The statement said the special operation will continue without interruption, and gave assurance that legal action against those behind such acts will be further toughened.
Home Minister Ali Ihusaan later visited the injured officer at ADK Hospital, where he praised the officer’s courage and commitment to national duty. He assured that the government and police will provide full support to the officer and the officer’s family.
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