News Desk
An Indian national has been arrested by police after attempting to breach security at Velana International Airport (VIA) using an unauthorized access card belonging to another foreign worker whose visa had already been canceled. The suspect, identified in court documents as 45-year-old Sanjeeva Reddy Yelma, was intercepted by Aviation and Port Security Command officers at Gate 51, located on the eastern side of the airport complex.
The Criminal Court has ordered Yelma remanded in custody for 15 days while police investigate the break-in attempt at the country’s primary gateway. According to court filings, although Yelma holds a valid work permit in the Maldives, he lacked clearance to enter the airport’s restricted zone. Officers stationed at the checkpoint spotted the discrepancy when he presented an access card issued to someone else, with subsequent checks confirming that the original cardholder’s work visa had already been revoked.
During his court appearance, Yelma claimed he was simply following orders, alleging that his boss handed him the card to use. However, the presiding judge rejected any immediate release, citing sufficient evidence of an attempted unauthorized entry into a high-security zone and noting that releasing him could pose a risk to public safety.
Security at VIA operates under strict international aviation protocols, particularly during peak afternoon and evening transit hours. Police are continuing their investigation to determine how the canceled card was distributed and whether additional individuals were involved.
