Ex-Maldives VP sails to Thoothukudi, gets detained

The dignitary, who arrived on a vessel “cannot de-board now, since there was no information about him coming to India,” a top district police officer said.  Adheeb was being questioned by the Coast Guard, Immigration Central government agencies, he said. Since Adheeb has been apprised that he cannot enter the country, he is expected to return now, he added.

Thoothukudi Superintendent of Police Arun Balagopalan, said since Thoothukudi seaport is not a recognised international sea checkpoint, Adheeb should have obtained prior permission from Immigration. 

The former Vice President was apparently on his way to Colombo to seek political asylum, sources said. The agencies intercepted a call Adheeb made via a Satellite phone on board and acting on a tip-off, they stopped the tug boat. 

According to sources, Virgo 9, a Colombo registered vessel, had nine crew members, including eight Indonesians and one Indian. It set off for Maldives from Thoothukudi coast on July 11 and on its return trip, Adheeb joined the crew. Two weeks ago, he also underwent treatment at a Chennai hospital, they said. 

Sources said Adheeb faces several criminal charges and to evade trial escaped from Maldives. He was arrested in 2015 for plotting to assassinate the Maldivian President the same year. He was reportedly axed from his post and jailed. He was also part of scams involving siphoning off funds worth several billion dollars. He was also involved in the abduction of a foreign journalist two years ago.

The External Affairs Ministry on Thursday said Adheeb was not permitted entry into India as he did not possess any valid document. MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “Since he was not entering India through a designated entry point and did not possess the valid document, he has not been permitted entry into India.”