Fayyaz denies graft in police stations; seeks probe

MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail on Tuesday denied Homeland Minister Ali Ihsan’s corruption allegations, asserting that the funds earmarked for building police stations across 60 islands have been misappropriated.

The controversy centers around an awarded contract to the Indian company Indira Projects, which Ihsan claims has diverted funds for other purposes, while Fayyaz has dismissed these claims as politically motivated and without evidence.

Ihsan revealed that the initial contract, given to Indira Projects in 2021, was intended for the construction of police stations on 60 islands.

According to Ihsan, 15% of the project’s $3.6 million budget was paid to the company, yet no significant progress has been made. He alleged that Indira Projects subsequently acquired a stake in a local firm, BIG company, which has ties to former economic minister Fayyaz, and is now involved in unrelated construction activities in Male'.

During the parliamentary session, Ihsan expressed frustration, stating, “Documents show that the project was meticulously planned. Despite our efforts, no practical work has commenced. We disbursed $3.6 million, yet there is no clarity on how it has been utilized.”

Fayyaz responded to Ihsan's claims on social media platform ‘X,’ accusing Ihsan of spreading misinformation and lacking transparency. According to Fayyaz, Ihsan has not provided substantial evidence to back his claims and has made accusations across various platforms without formal investigation.

Fayyaz emphasized the need for accountability, noting that he had already submitted requests to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and police to investigate the matter, stating, “Ihsan should address this responsibly and with due investigation.”

In his letter to Police Commissioner Ali Shujau, Fayyaz noted that while accusations of corruption against him have surfaced, he has not been formally questioned. Fayyaz argued that the current narrative is politically charged and framed to damage his reputation. He also confirmed his willingness to cooperate with any inquiry, stating that all necessary project documents are already available with state agencies.

The police station project, valued at $60 million and reportedly backed by India’s Exim Bank, has sparked broader accusations from opposition leaders. Ibrahim Falah, the Parliamentary Group Leader for the Progressive National Congress (PNC), alleged that former Home Minister Imran Abdulla had used project funds to buy land in Hulhumale’. Ihsan responded to Falah’s accusations, confirming that the proposal for the project was initially handled by the Ministry of Economic Development and only later came under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Ihsan maintained that there has been no direct communication with Indira Projects regarding the project status and questioned their commitment to the promised police station construction. He added that the Indian company, having acquired shares in Big Company, appears to be more focused on private construction ventures than the originally commissioned police stations.