On Thursday evening, the Maldives Police Service responded to reports of a woman being held hostage in a residence located in the Maafannu district of Malé.

The woman was held at knifepoint by her captor inside the Maafannu Mirihimaa house.

CCTV footage and videos circulating on social media showed the suspect exiting the residence, holding the woman hostage with a knife to her throat.

In a desperate bid to escape, the kidnapper attempted to flee on a motorbike, with the woman forced to ride along.

Initially, police officers on the scene were forced to back off as the kidnapper repeatedly threatened to kill the hostage.

However, the officers later managed to overpower and apprehend the suspect, binding him to prevent further harm.

The Maldives Police Service confirmed to the media that the woman had been beaten by her captor.

Although she sustained injuries during the police operation to apprehend the kidnapper, she is now safe and in stable condition after receiving treatment at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

The kidnapper, who also sustained injuries during the scuffle with the police, was taken to ADK Hospital.

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident to gather more details.