Police say motorcycles in viral video were being taken for disposal

Police have said motorcycles seen being unloaded from a police vehicle in a video circulated on social media were unclaimed vehicles being collected for disposal in Thilafushi.

The video, which was shared on social media on Sunday, shows several motorcycles being unloaded from a police vehicle.

The person who posted the video criticised the way the motorcycles were being handled, saying that although they appeared to be abandoned vehicles, they were motorcycles in working condition. The person also said several motorcycles had been transported in a pickup in a similar manner and argued that damaging people’s property in such a way was unacceptable.

Police issued a statement on Monday in response to the video, saying the motorcycles were being collected at a designated yard before being transported to Thilafushi for disposal as waste.

According to police, the motorcycles were being moved to a newly designated police yard in Hulhumalé Phase II.

Police said the vehicles shown in the video had been towed and remained unclaimed by their owners within the period provided for collection.

The vehicles had also completed the procedures required by relevant authorities and had received formal approval for disposal, police said.

Police said the footage therefore showed motorcycles being gathered at the yard ahead of their transportation to Thilafushi for disposal.