Blast in Maldives President's boat attempt on his life: Media

Image
IANS Male
Last Updated : Oct 07 2015 | 3:07 PM IST

International investigators probing the explosion last week in the Maldives president's speedboat have concluded that the blast may have been an attempt to assassinate President Abdullah Yameen, local media reported on Wednesday.

Two military officials who had access to the yacht have been arrested over the incident and further investigations are ongoing, Xinhua quoted the media reports as saying.

Investigators from the US, Saudi Arabia, Australia, India and Sri Lanka, who arrived in the Maldives hours after the explosion on September 28, have ruled out the government's initial theory stating that the blast may have been a technical fault.

Investigators said they have strong evidence to believe that the explosion was likely pre-planned and an attempt on the life of President Abdullah Yameen.

Yameen escaped unhurt in the explosion but his wife Fatimath and two other security officials received injuries.

The explosion took place while Yameen was on his way to capital Male, coming back from the Haj pilgrimage.

Eyewitnesses said that as the boat approached the jetty, there was a loud blast followed by smoke.

The National inquiry commission, set up this week in connection with the explosion, released footage of the video caught on camera by journalists who witnessed the incident.

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Oct 07 2015 | 2:56 PM IST

Next Story