As the search continues for the 14-year-old Shaim Abdulla who went missing from the children’s orphanage in Vilingili on 18 June, One Online has confirmed that the security of the orphanage was being handled by the Maldives Police Service.

One Media learned that the child was taken into police custody from a crime scene following a police operation. The boy was kept alone at the Amaan Hiyaa wing of the orphanage for an assessment by the police according to the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services.

While information has come it that the boy was kept there as there are legal objections to keep a minor under arrest in police custody, it has not been confirmed.

Media Official of the Gender Ministry, Ibrahim Ahmed confirmed to One Online that the security of the orphanage is in the care of the police. When asked how many officers are on duty at a time, the media official deflected the question to ask the police.

The search for the 14-year-old continues and the police have searched some houses under a court order as well. However, the police said that the search is ongoing and the boy is yet to be found.

Both the police and the Gender Ministry yet to say where or how the boy went missing. Police have previously said that they are going through CCTV footage to find the boy.

A child from the orphanage has gone missing at a time where renovations are underway at the orphanage including grills on the balconies for improved security.