Police have opened an investigation into allegations that a group of students bullied a classmate online.
The Maldives Police Service said the case involves students from a school on an island under the Central Police Division. The alleged harassment took place on the internet, including on TikTok.
Reports circulating on social media describe a fake account that targeted a schoolgirl with repeated posts mocking her appearance and using offensive language. Some posts are said to have encouraged self-harm. The account has since been deactivated.
Police confirmed they are investigating the matter in coordination with relevant authorities but have not released further details. This is described as the first formal police investigation into such a student cyberbullying case.
The principal of the school has said the bullying had been ongoing for about a year and a half and was already being looked into by the appropriate bodies. The principal took up the post four months ago.
Cyberbullying among students has been a recurring concern in the Maldives. Police have previously seized Instagram confession pages linked to schools in Malé that targeted students and teachers.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the Cyber Crime Centre.
