Maldives Police Service has said that they are yet to question former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed over the sexual misconduct allegations by several female employees of the Ministry.

Speaking during a press conference today, Chief Superintendent of Police Mohamed Bashir said that the investigation into these allegations is still in the initial phase and that they are currently collecting evidence.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Abdul Mannan Yusuf also stated that they are yet to question Ali Waheed over the sexual misconduct allegations, and noted that they haven't done so yet since the investigation has not prompted such an interrogation yet.

He also added that a travel ban has been issued against the former Minister, with his passport being withheld to ensure that he is easily presented to the Police if it was necessary to further down the investigation.

Ali Waheed was sacked as the Tourism Minister on July 9th after several employees of the Ministry had come forward with their stories of harassment and abuse. He was dismissed as the Minister after failing to resign on his own at the order of the President.

Police had also confiscated his phone and laptop under a court order.