Islanders Resort To Vigilante Justice

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Security at Haa Dhaal atoll Kulhudhufushi has been tightened after five drug addicts, blamed for the recent rise in crime on the island, were beaten by hundreds of islanders on Monday.

Abdullah Shareef, chief inspector of police, said around 70 policemen were now patrolling the island after reinforcements were deployed from neighbouring atolls, Haa Alif and Shaviyani.

“Recently, the crime rates have risen and so some of the islanders got angry and attacked those they suspected of the crimes,” he said.

Shareef did not wish to reveal the crime statistics of the island.

Councillor Adam Waheed Ali said close to three hundred islanders were involved in the attack, which took place because residents thought police were unable to control the escalating crime rate.

He said several of those attacked had previously threatened, mugged and burgled islanders.

“Islanders even damaged the houses of two of the suspects,” he said. “They are very concerned about the drug addicts and the increased theft and armed robbery. Even I’m very worried about it.”

Chief inspector Shareef said before the violence erupted over 60 people had gathered in front of the police station to demand action.

He added all the men injured had previous criminal records for drugs and burglary but said no one had yet been arrested for their involvement in this incident.

Mohamed Abdul Rahmaan, Kulhudhufushi regional hospital’s community health worker, said the five attacked were hospitalised but discharged the following day.

He said three of the five men had sustained head injuries including bruising to their faces, another of the men had his tooth broken while the fifth was knocked unconscious.

43-year old Najma Ahmed, a mother of six, said since the rise of muggings and thefts, she had been too scared to let her children go out alone.

“I don’t know when they (children) would be attacked and be mugged,” she said. “You can’t imagine what it’s been like. There have been some big burglaries recently.

“And police arrest the perpetrators but they release them the following day. So how are we supposed to prevent crime?”

Mohamed Nasih, 25, a mason from the island said residents were now afraid as those attacked had threatened to take revenge.

“They said those who attacked them should be arrested,” he said. “Otherwise they will fight back.”