Children's shelter employee suspended over Shaim's disappearance

Gender Minister Shidhatha Shareef revealed an employee at the children's shelter in Villingili was suspended over the disappearance of 14 year old Shaim Abdulla while under state care.

Shidhatha was summoned to the parliament for questioning on Monday. Answering the inquiries of lawmakers, Shidhatha said all employees at the 'Kudakudhinge Hiyaa' children's shelter have to be attentive and responsible for the care of the children at all times.

When it was discovered that the boy was missing on 18th June 2019, Gender Ministry's Human Resource Development Committee was tasked with investigating the issue, and an employee on duty at the time of the boy's disappearance was subsequently suspended, said Shidhatha.

"A sub committee has been established within the Ministry to investigate the case, and they will be preparing a report on their findings. All information and statements on the case have been shared with the Parliament's Human Rights Commission', said Shidhatha.

Citing the police, Shidhatha said Shaim was found hiding out in a two bedroom apartment in capital Male' and that the boy had run away from the shelter. While adults were involved in aiding the boy to hide from authorities, the ministry will investigate if any employees at the children shelter were involved and will take necessary action.

Two people were arrested in relation to Shaim's disappearance. While the police previously said Shaim is under police protection, Shidhatha said at the committee that Shaim has now been returned to the children's shelter.