Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb has been handed over to Maldives Police despite his pleas seeking asylum in India, it has been reported.
Adeeb was detained on Thursday in Tuticorin, India as he attempted to enter India via sea route on a tug boat after fleeing the Maldives.
India's 'The New Indian Express' reports Adeeb has now been deported back to Maldives on the same tugboat under the custody of officers from Maldives Police Service, who traveled to India to escort him back.
However, the police have not officially commented on the mater.
Adeeb's deportation comes while he has sought asylum in India, stating that the Maldives police have been attempting to coerce him into making false statements would amount to a false admission of guilt.
The former vice president's legal team requested asylum at relevant United Nations offices in addition to the Indian government.
However, while the Indian government has made no comments on the application thus far, law enforcement officials from Maldives are en route to India to take custody of Adeeb, said a statement released by the law firm representing Adeeb.
It further said Maldives is no longer safe for Adeeb and that there is credible evidence that he will be mistreated if returned to Maldives, while calling to ensure Adeeb's rights are protected in accordance to intentional laws and treaties.
The firm has also highlighted that Adeeb was imprisoned for over three year over various allegations, and that he was recently acquitted by the Supreme court of all offences. However, Adeeb has remained under house arrest following an appeal being lodged by the Prosecutor General against the acquittal, said the statement.
"It is of particular concern that following this the authorities forced him to sign an agreement with a clause that he could only receive necessary medical treatment if he signed the agreement", they said.
The firm has now obtained a copy of said agreement, they revealed.
The statement released by the law firm earlier on Wednesday accused Maldives Police Service of seeking to coerce him into signing documents that would amount to a false admission of guilt.
Reminding India that they must consider Adeeb's application for asylum in accordance with relevant national and international rules, they requested India to offer protection to Adeeb and not return him to Maldives while his application is under review.
Police Service has since announced that they have begun efforts to bring Adeeb back to Maldives.
A statement released by the police on Wednesday said Adeeb was detained during his attempt to flee while he has an active travel ban imposed by the Supreme Court of Maldives. He had failed to appear for an investigation interview session scheduled by Maldives Police Service, it further read.
Maldives Police Service is engaging with international partners to bring Adeeb back to Maldives, they said. They assured that all persons involved in aiding Adeeb to flee the country will be subject to criminal investigation.
Adeeb fled to India after the Supreme Court acquitted him of all convictions. There was no news of Adeeb since Wednesday afternoon, it has been reported.
Records show the tugboat Adeeb traveled to India in, 'Virgo 9' is currently docked at Tuticorin harbor.
Adeeb remains a subject of investigation for alleged misappropriation of state funds, corruption and money laundering. He recently traveled to India for medical purposes with the permission of Maldives Correctional Service while under their custody. His doctors recommended him to return to India for a follow up in six months.
Adeeb returned to Maldives after his medical trip amid public concerns that he would attempt to flee the country, and proclaimed that he was not one to 'flee the country'.
Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb pictured on the tugboat
