Highway collision was suspected attempt to obstruct police duty: Commissioner of Police

Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed has said a motorcycle collision that seriously injured an officer on the Sinamalé Bridge highway early Saturday is believed to have been a deliberate attempt to obstruct police duties and intimidate officers.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:29 a.m. near a police checkpoint on the lane heading from Malé towards Hulhumalé.

According to police, the motorcycle was travelling at more than 100 kilometres per hour when it struck a barricade before hitting an officer attached to the highway patrol team.

The officer sustained serious facial injuries, including a laceration to his mouth and broken teeth, and is receiving treatment at ADK Hospital.

Condemning the incident, the commissioner said police suspected it was a calculated attempt to undermine officers and disrupt the recently launched operation against dangerous driving.

Police said three other motorcycles were seen operating in the area at the time.

The two people on the motorcycle involved in the collision and two other suspects have been taken into custody.

Police have also impounded the motorcycle involved and another motorcycle linked to the incident.

The commissioner said efforts to ensure public safety would continue despite attempts to intimidate officers.

He pledged that the road safety operation would proceed without interruption and that police would pursue the strongest action available under the law against those responsible.