Police seize Hindu religious items from shop in Hulhumalé
During the inspection, officers found six pots displayed for sale that featured religious imagery.
Police have seized six pots bearing Hindu religious imagery from a shop in Hulhumalé Phase II following reports circulated on social media about the sale of items associated with other religions.
The Maldives Police Service disclosed the seizure in a social media post late on Friday night.
According to police, officers inspected the shop at approximately 6.15pm on Wednesday after receiving information circulated on social media alleging that items bearing symbols associated with other religions were being sold at the premises.
During the inspection, officers found six pots displayed for sale that featured religious imagery.
Police said the items had been taken into custody.
The name of the shop was not disclosed, and police did not provide further details about the seized items or the individuals operating the business.
Police also did not indicate whether anyone had been arrested or whether an investigation was under way.
Photographs circulated on social media showed that the pots featured imagery associated with Hinduism.
The items were identified as "Shasthi Traditional Tulsi" pots, which are used for growing tulsi, a plant considered sacred in Hinduism.
Tulsi is commonly associated with Hindu religious practices and is cultivated for use in worship. The pots are designed for growing the plant.
Police have not announced whether any further action will be taken in connection with the incident.
