News Desk
Police have arrested the owner of Bright Minds, a private tutoring service for schoolchildren, on suspicion of sexually assaulting a minor. He has been remanded in custody for 30 days.
The suspect, identified by police only as a 27‑year‑old Maldivian man, was taken into custody on Wednesday. However, media reports confirmed that the individual arrested is Ali Aflah, the owner and lead teacher of Bright Minds Education Pvt Ltd.
According to sources familiar with the case, Aflah was detained upon arrival in Malé after flying in from Mumbai, India, where he is believed to have spent an extended period abroad. Police produced him before the court shortly after his arrest, and a judge ordered that he be held in remand for 30 days pending further investigation.
He is accused of grooming and sexually assaulting a student over several days. Police have taken a statement from the alleged victim.
Corporate records show that shares in Bright Minds Education Pvt Ltd were transferred to Aflah’s brother and wife in September last year, months before his arrest.
Police have not released further details, citing the sensitivity of cases involving minors.
