Two arrested over abuse of young boy at Hulhumale’ clinic

Two former employees of a clinic in Hulhumale’ were arrested on Sunday, after a video emerged showing them physically abuse a young boy under their care.

The incident in question took place on May 5 at the Physio Clinic, a private clinic that specializes in physiotherapy, speech, behavior, occupational therapy, psychological profile, special education and counseling.

The incident garnered public attention after CCTV footage showing the abuse leaked on social media on Sunday.

In a press statement on Monday, the police said that two women were arrested under a court warrant in connection to the case the previous night.

They are:

• Rajeswari Sivakumar, 24
• Esha Antonnette, 24

They are both Indian nationals.

They were presented before the court on Monday, and were remanded in custody of the police for 15 days.

Leaked CCTV footage from the clinic shows the two employees attempt to forcibly restrain the young boy, who went to the facility for therapy. It also shows that he sustained injuries to at least two places in his hand in the incident.

The video also shows the incident was witnessed by a second young boy.

Physio Clinic issued a public apology over the behavior its staff, which it said was “totally unacceptable” and does not reflect the values or standards of conduct they expect within their organization.

The clinic also said they took immediate action as soon as the matter was brought to their attending, and that “both the staff member involved and another staff member who was present during the incident have been terminated.”

The clinic said they also immediately notified the police and handed over all relevant footage to assist with their investigation.

The clinic has also temporarily closed in light of the seriousness of the situation.

The case is under further investigation by the police.