Maldives Immigration has issued a notice summoning Arfat Hossain, a Bangladeshi national, to appear at the immigration office within five days following serious allegations against him.

Arfat is accused of using cat meat to prepare food items, a case that has garnered widespread attention after being brought to light by the Feline Welfare Organization, a private group dedicated to caring for the city's stray cats.

According to Feline Welfare, Arfat has been accused of capturing cats, slaughtering them, and using their meat to cook food, which he then sells.

The accusations have also led to public outrage on social media, where neighbors have shared stories and reported finding cat organs near Arfat's residence.

Reliable sources claim that Arfat has been operating a makeshift food business from his home, selling items like burgers and submarines without proper labeling.

The food items are allegedly being sold through shops catering to foreign communities, often referred to as “Bondhu” markets.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has confirmed that the case has been reported to the Maldives Police Service (MPS).

The immigration department has issued a public notice, asking Arfat to report to their office, and urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact them at 9199017 or via email at [email protected].

This case comes at a time when a new food safety law, which mandates proper labeling and adherence to standards for all food products, is set to come into force in August.

The law aims to regulate the manufacturing, preparation, labeling, and sale of food to ensure consumer safety.