Imam arrested on sorcery charges remanded in custody for seven days

The interim imam of Th. Vandhoo, who was arrested on accusations of sorcery, has been remanded in custody for seven days.

Police said in a media message on Wednesday evening that a report of alleged sorcery was lodged at 18:05 that evening. A 61-year-old man was subsequently taken into custody in connection with the case. He was produced before court for a remand hearing, after which he was ordered to be held for seven days. His remand will expire on Wednesday, the seventh day of this month.

A source told Sun that the man was responsible for maintaining the island mosque, the ‘Mudhin’ who is not an imam in the formal sense. 

Sun previously published this news using the term “mullah,” which was later changed to “acting-imam” due to concerns that “mullah” can carry derogatory connotations in international media. To clarify for readers: the accused does not lead congregational prayer. He holds a role focused on calling for prayer and caretaking duties, sometimes substituting for the imam, who is certified, similar to how “mullah” is used in some other countries.

Sorcery-related complaints occasionally surface in parts of the Maldives, a practice entwined with Maldivian spiritual and cultural beliefs since ancient times. Police are investigating the incident.