Maldivian authorities have arrested a 42-year-old man who had allegedly threatened to bomb the Indian embassy in the capital Male. Security arrangements near the embassy compound were beefed up following the incident. 

The suspect was arrested on Saturday, following an order from a court there. Maldives Police, in a statement, warned that incitement to violence and destruction of property are criminal offenses, and will be investigated and taken action against.

The case is currently being investigated by the Serious and Organized Crime Division of the Maldivian Police. Authorities have also expressed concerns over the manner in which some local online media outlets are disseminating information that they claim increasing security threats for foreign diplomats in the archipelago. 

Security at the Chinese embassy, too, was also beefed up following the incident. 

Significantly, a few weeks ago, a report in Sun news also reported that  Indian High Commission in Male had written a letter to the country’s foreign ministry, asking them to take action against those local media spreading lies and animosity against India. 

Recently, anti-Indian rhetoric resurfaced after India, in May, had announced the decision of opening a consulate in the southern and politically sensitive city of Addu. On Friday, the country’s parliament speaker Mehammed Nasheed, too, said that hostile and disrespectful rhetoric was being spread in the Maldives. He also advised opposition parties not to spread hatred against India.

In a statement on Saturday, Maldivian Police said the issue (the hateful and provocative coverage) is a “sensitive issue” and puts the security of foreign diplomats at risk in the country. It also warned that it has the potential to damage the country’s diplomatic relations. 

Furthermore, Police asked all parties not to engage in any activity that threatens the security of foreign diplomats and missions. “We urge all parties to be more responsible in disseminating information,” reads the statement. 

(SAM)