Probe launched over Nilandhoo ancient mosque vandalism
In addition to the fine, if the offence is punishable under the penal code, then criminal charges will be made too
By
Mariyam Umna Ismail
Authorities have launched an investigation into the vandalism of tombs in the premises of the ancient mosque in F. Nilandhoo.
After the Maldives converted to Islam in 1153, a large number of people were buried in the courtyard of the mosque built by the then king, Sultan Mohammed bin Abdullah. According to some articles published about the mosque, it also houses the tombs of some religious scholars; Hafizs, and others who were prominent at that time.
Pictures of the more than 800-year-old mosque being vandalised went viral on social media on Saturday. In the pictures, some of the tombstones in the courtyard were removed and thrown.
The National Centre for Protection of Cultural Heritage tweeted on Saturday that a police complaint has been filed to investigate the matter. The centre said it has also lodged a complaint with the civic body.
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When the council staff went to clean the mosque premises on Saturday morning, no damage was done
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The vandalisation of the tombs was noticed during a visit by students of Dharanboodhoo School from the atoll on Saturday afternoon
Nilandhoo Council did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Vandalism and neglect of cultural heritage is now a criminal offence. According to the National Cultural Heritage Act:
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Any act intended to destroy or damage a place or area that is part of the country's heritage is an offence
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It is a crime to change anything that is part of the cultural heritage and to distort or add to its origin
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It's a crime to dig up places for the purpose of finding something of cultural value without permission from heritage conservation centres
If any of these offences are committed:
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MVR 10,000 fined; depending on the marked value of the cultural heritage, the fine may extend to MVR 1 million
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In addition to the fine, if the offence is punishable under the penal code, then criminal charges will be made too
