The controversial island of V. Aarah, located in Vaavu Atoll near Thinadhoo, has evolved from a bare sandbank into the center of the country’s most high-profile graft trials. Key events surrounding the ownership, administrative transfers, and resort lease of V. Aarah are detailed below: Early Years (Uninhabited Sandbank): V. Aarah existed as a bare sandbank in Vaavu Atoll before being designated for local agricultural development and personal use. Agricultural Lease to Ahmed Thasmeen Ali: The island was allocated under the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture to a company owned by former Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali and … Continue reading V. Aarah Lease Timeline: From Sandbank to MMPRC Graft Trial