Five arrested in Hulhumale’ car hostage case released

Combined photos of (from L-R) Ahmed Rishfan, 26, Hulhumale’ flat no. 71-1-04; Adam Shareef, 36, Raiybageechaage, HDh. Kumundhoo; Hussain Haikal Niyaz, 23, G. Kalhagaarimaage, K. Male’; and Husam Ibrahim, 34, Raiybageechaage, HDh. Kumundhoo. (Photo/Maldives Police Service)

The five suspects arrested for holding a person hostage inside a car in Hulhumale’ have been released from police custody.

The incident took place on November 11.

According to the police, the victim in the case, identified only as a Maldivian man, was held hostage in a car and beaten. The suspects also allegedly made phone calls to the victim’s family demanding money.

Thalal Moosa, 37, Dhafthar no. 9022, K. Male’. (Photo/Maldives Police Service)

Five people were arrested in the case. They are:

Thalal Moosa, 37, Dhafthar no. 9022, K. Male’
Ahmed Rishfan, 26, Hulhumale’ flat no. 71-1-04
Adam Shareef, 36, Raiybageechaage, HDh. Kumundhoo
Hussain Haikal Niyaz, 23, G. Kalhagaarimaage, K. Male’
Husam Ibrahim, 34, Raiybageechaage, HDh. Kumundhoo

They were presented before the Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court on November 12, and were remanded in custody of the police for seven days.

But when presented before the court for an extension to their remand, all five were released from custody citing lack of grounds to keep them detained.