Maldives Police Service (MPS) has launched a criminal investigation against the former management of the state child care facility, Kudakudhinge Hiya, over their negligence in ensuring the safety of the children at the facility.
MPS said the investigation against the former management was initiated following a request by the Office of the Children's Ombudsperson. However, MPS did not disclose the details of the individuals who are under investigation.
The investigation was launched in relation to the multiple fire accidents that occurred at the facility last year, which endangered the lives of the children accommodated at the facility. The Office of the Children's Ombudsperson had stated the facility was operated without the necessary resources to protect the facility from a fire. The Ombudsperson's Office said the management of the facility had failed to take the required action to protect the children's rights to live and was completely negligent in protecting the children.
Kudakudhinge Hiya, which was located in Villimale', was one of the main children's shelters established in the Greater Male' Region. Last year, the government decided to close the facility and transfer the children housed at the facility to new homes built in the atolls.