Maldives Police Service (MPS) has revealed that the body of Mohamed Azhan was in a state of decomposition when discovered.

Authorities had been on the search for Azhan for about two weeks after he was reported missing from Phase II of the Hulhumalé suburb.

The body was found during a special operation by Police on Sunday evening at 5:45pm. His body was found inside the jungle near the Water Theme Park in Hulhumalé Phase I, closeby the Redbull Park where he was last seen.

During a press meet at the location, Head Superintendent of Police for the Serious and Organised Crimes Unit, Hassan Saeed noted that the body was in a state of decomposition at the time of discovery, which made it unclear as to whether the body had sustained any major injuries or not.

Saeed further revealed that an autopsy will be conducted to further determine the cause of death, adding that the family has been informed about the decision.

He further highlighted that no efforts were made to hide the body, adding that the case is now being investigated as a homicide even though there were no suspects at the time of press.

Explaining the reason behind searching the area, Saeed noted that the decision was made after identifying the location as the place where Azhan was last seen with the help of CCTV footage, and not because there was a smell of decomposition. He added that parts of the Water Theme Park area were included in the search operation of Azhan, though the area from where his body was recovered was not searched before.

Saeed also added that Azhan's mobile phone is yet to be found, and that more information will be shared with the press after investigating the crime scene further.

MPS had previously stated that Azhan was last seen near the Redbull stadium in Hulhumalé Phase I. Azhan was also seen on CCTV footage, getting into a white taxi near Hiyaa Tower 13.