Family raises concerns after police search residence linked to Sunny

The Maldives Police Service on Monday searched a residence linked to Sunny Umar, who is in custody in connection with alleged sexual offences involving children related to his wife.

Sunny Umar was arrested last month on charges of sexual assault. He previously operated a travel business under the Maldives Halal Travel brand. Police took him to the residence where he lived prior to his arrest and conducted the search in his presence.

Police searched an apartment on the third floor of H. Citrus, where Sunny Umar’s wife resides. Access to the apartment was gained through H. Adhunge. Both properties form part of a single family residence divided into separate sections.

Following the search, Sunny Umar was taken away in a police vehicle. Police have confirmed that he remains in custody. No official statement has yet been issued regarding the operation.

After the search, members of the family raised concerns in comments to journalists. They said police entered the residence without the consent of the property owners and without presenting a court order at the point of entry. The family said the search caused distress to the children involved in the case.

The family stated that the court order shown to them authorised the search of an apartment on the third floor of H. Citrus, but that police entered through H. Adhunge. They also questioned why the search was conducted a month after Sunny Umar’s arrest.

According to the family, the warrant cited the recovery of electronic devices, including a mobile phone and a laptop. The warrant noted discrepancies regarding the mobile phone found in Sunny Umar’s possession at the time of his arrest, referring to different devices on separate dates.

The warrant also stated that the search was required to locate electronic devices allegedly used to display inappropriate content to a child connected to the case.

Police have not issued a response to the family’s claims at the time of publication.