Police announced on Sunday that their investigation found no evidence to support allegations that Arafat Hossain, a Bangladeshi worker detained in August, used cat meat in his illegal home-based food business in Male’ City.

Arafat, 32, was arrested on August 20 after the Feline Welfare Organization, a local animal rights group, accused him of killing, cooking, and selling cat meat.

The organization’s social media post on August 19 identified him as an undocumented expatriate working at Valhomas Market.

Following the post, Maldives Immigration issued a notice for Arafat to present himself to their headquarters within five days.

The Animal Welfare Ministry reported the allegations to the police, who took Arafat into custody from a barber shop in Male’ on August 20, acting on a tip from Immigration’s Intelligence Department. 

He was later transferred to Immigration custody while police investigated the claims.

On Sunday, a police spokesperson confirmed that Arafat had been deported and that their investigation had found no evidence he used cat meat to prepare meals.

Although the cat meat allegations were dismissed, police noted that photos and videos of Arafat’s residence showed unsanitary conditions, raising concerns about food safety standards. 

The case has highlighted broader issues regarding food hygiene in illegal food businesses, as well as immigration concerns amid an ongoing clampdown on undocumented migrants.

Several raids have targeted rundown properties in Male’ where food for stores, cafes, and restaurants is prepared in unhygienic environments.