Police have arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of arson in connection with a fire that broke out last week at a house near the Galolhu mortuary.
According to police, the incident occurred at G. Hiyaaroadhi, an unused residence located in Huvafenee Goalhi. The fire was reported shortly after a man was seen entering and leaving the premises.
CCTV footage circulating on social media shows a suspect arriving on a motorcycle, wearing dark sunglasses and a black-and-white shirt. He is seen entering the house and leaving shortly afterward. Moments after his departure, the building caught fire.
No injuries were reported in the incident. Firefighters from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) responded promptly and brought the blaze under control within an hour.
Police confirmed that the suspect has been arrested on charges of arson and damage to property. He has been remanded in custody for five days. Investigators stated that they have secured CCTV footage and established a timeline indicating that the suspect entered and exited the house shortly before the fire started.
Under Section 220 of the Penal Code, deliberately setting fire to another person’s property, vehicle, or building constitutes arson. The severity of the offence depends on the extent of the damage and whether lives were endangered.
If the act occurs in a residential area or creates a life-threatening situation, it is classified as a second-degree felony. In less severe cases, it may fall under third- or fourth-degree felony categories. Prosecutors must prove that the act was intentional or carried out with the intent to cause damage.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the incident.
