F. Billehdhoo Council has begun investigating into public idolatry by some expats in the island.

Photos have begun circulating on social media showing a couple of expats holding what looks like a Hindu idol used for worship.

Billehdhoo Council's President, Ahmed Aslam, told 'One' on Friday that the Council has begun investigating the incident after receiving reports of public idolatry in the island. The Council has also reported the incident to Maldives Police Service (MPS).

Aslam said the incident involves expats from an Indian company working on the water network project in the island.

"This is a worrisome issue. This could lead to unrest among the public and hatred towards the workers", Aslam said.

Aslam said the incident was witnessed by a few residents in the island, and that the Council has communicated with the Indian company's representatives in the island to ensure such incidents don't occur again.

MPS said they received report of the incident and are currently investigating the matter.