MDP calls for forensic analysis of forged docs in land probe
Former State Minister for Housing Akram, who oversaw land and housing allocations under the previous government, has denied the allegations.
Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Saturday urged the Maldives Police Service to conduct a forensic analysis of alleged fake documents submitted for land acquisition under the Binveriya housing scheme and make the findings public.
The call follows the circulation of documents on social media, alleging that some individuals who were ineligible for land under the previous government’s landowner scheme obtained plots using falsified documents. The allegations include claims that Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Managing Director Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed’s brother, Mohamed Fazeel Rasheed, was among the beneficiaries.
The police have launched an investigation into the matter.
At a press conference on Thursday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdulla Shareef stated that six individuals had been questioned in connection with the allegations. He noted that the land registration and agreements in question appeared to have been issued during the previous government’s term.
Former State Minister for Housing Akram Kamaluddin, who oversaw land and housing allocations under the previous government, has denied the allegations.
Ahmed Mauroof, the former head of the legal section of the President’s Office during the MDP administration, criticised the police’s handling of the case. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Mauroof questioned why the police had not conducted a forensic analysis of the documents before holding a public briefing.
Mauroof highlighted that the Maldives Police Service has a forensic laboratory capable of verifying the authenticity of documents within hours. He pointed out that forensic analysis can determine details such as the age of the paper, whether documents were reused or reprinted, and the authenticity of handwriting or signatures.
Mauroof accused the police of holding a politically motivated press conference, stating that a proper forensic analysis could have been completed quickly.
“We do not believe the police will conduct a fair or thorough investigation,” Mauroof said. “I challenge the police to release the report after conducting a proper forensic analysis of the documents. If the report is released, it will reveal the truth and expose the government’s narrative.”
Mauroof further alleged that the documents were fabricated by individuals within the current government to manipulate land allocations.
The police have not yet released details on whether a forensic analysis of the documents will be conducted.
