Maldives Police Services has asserted the investigations into Friday's deadly fire did not indicate any signs of foul play or a terror attack.
Head of Serious and Organised Crimes Unit, Superintendent of Police Hassan Shifau explained various members of the unit and forensic experts have gathered at the epicentre to investigate the cause of the fire.
The police are also reviewing CCTV footage and conducting other investigations to try and establish where the fire first originated. The police have not yet discovered evidence of foul play in the fire that left one dead and many people homeless. The police responded in such manner after Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Parliamentarian Ibrahim Muizzu tweeted alleging the fire was deliberately started by a terror group.
Shifau requested the public to share any information about the fire to investigative authorities instead of going public. He also highlighted that no party has reported the fire was deliberate.
While Maldives Police Services has announced that they have no evidence of how the fire originated, Ministry of Home Affairs has launched a full investigation into the cause of fire, with the assistance of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The ministry also requested the public to refrain from speculating false information until the matter is thoroughly investigated.
Since the tragic accident, authorities have been investigating and cleaning the area to ensure safety and security of the residents. Authorities expect to grant all residents permission to return to their homes once the assessments are completed.
Currently, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is providing fire victims with a temporary shelter and expects to assist them for another week.