Man wanted in connection to ‘India Out’ graffiti

Police are searching for a man suspected of involvement in vandalizing properties with graffiti and leaving flyers on the streets linked to the ‘India Out’ movement.

Police released the photo and identity of the suspect, Abdul Ghaffar Abdul Gafoor, 34, Ma. Leggi, K. Male’, seeking public’s assistance in locating him, on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the police, Ghaffar is wanted in an investigation into a case involving public disorder.

The case is under investigation by the Galolhu Police Investigation.

Police have asked anyone with information regarding the suspect to call the police hotline 332211 or contact the Galolhu Police Investigation at 9631696.

Police have thanked the public for their assistance in such cases.

The man is reported suspected of in vandalizing properties with graffiti and leaving flyers on the streets linked to the ‘India Out’ movement, a political campaign led by the opposition to protest against Indian military presence in Maldives.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih issued a decree banning the ‘India Out’ movement on April 21, deeming it a threat to national security.

However, the opposition continued to put up banners and graffiti the walls of buildings with slogans linked to the movement.

President Solih said in his decree that the ‘India Out’ movement was a deliberate attempt to hinder the longstanding relations between Maldives and India, and international efforts to maintain security in the region, and that incitement to hatred against a specific country put Maldives at risk of loss of peace and stability, huge economic and social burden, and isolation in the international arena.