A 26-year-old man accused of crashing into a police vehicle claimed in the Criminal Court on Sunday that officers deliberately rammed his motorcycle, causing him to fall, and subsequently assaulted him.

The man, from K. Maafushi, has been remanded in custody for seven days. He is accused of obstructing police duties and causing damage to property.

According to the court’s remand order, preliminary evidence had been submitted against the suspect, including reports from officers who responded to the incident. Police alleged that the man was riding dangerously along the Sinamalé Bridge highway, lying flat on his motorcycle while not wearing a helmet.

The Investigating Officer told the court that the suspect ignored instructions to stop and intentionally collided with a police vehicle. However, the suspect denied the allegation, claiming that the police vehicle struck his motorcycle, causing him to fall. He also alleged that officers assaulted him after the incident.

The suspect declined legal representation. The court subsequently informed him that statements made during the proceedings could be used against him and reminded him of his right to remain silent.

The court has instructed the Investigating Officer to carry out further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Maldives Police Service warned on Saturday that it would take stricter measures to curb repeated cases of dangerous driving, including publicly identifying individuals involved in such offences, citing concerns over threats to public safety.