Sri Lankan excavator operator arrested over death at Thilafushi site

A Sri Lankan man has been arrested in connection with the death of Amin Mia, whose body was found at the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) site in Thilafushi.

Amin Mia, a Bangladeshi national, was reported missing on 26 of last month. The case was reported to police two days later. Police later confirmed that his body had been recovered from the site.

In a statement issued to the media on Sunday, the Maldives Police Service said Amin Mia died during waste removal operations at the dump site on the afternoon of 26 last month.

According to police, Amin Mia fell after being struck by the handles of an excavator while it was in operation. During the waste diversion process, garbage was moved along with his body, and waste was deposited over it.

Police said CCTV footage from the site shows the excavator striking Amin Mia, after which operations continued without interruption.

The excavator operator was arrested under a court order, police said. The suspect is a 32-year-old Sri Lankan national. His identity has not been disclosed.

Police said further information will be released as the investigation continues.