Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed was injured in an explosion on Thursday night.

The explosion took place near Majlis Speaker Nasheed’s car, Maldives’ The edition reported. As per the local media’s report, he was taken to hospital with injuries.

Reacting to the incident, EAM Dr. S Jaishankar said, “Deeply concerned at the attack on Speaker Mohamed Nasheed. Wish him a speedy recovery. Know that he will never be intimidated.”

‘Cowardly attacks like these have no place in our society’

Foreign Affairs Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid also condemned the attack saying cowardly attacks like these have no place in our society.

“Strongly condemn attack on ex-President Mohamed Nasheed. Cowardly attacks like these have no place in our society. My thoughts and prayers are with President Nasheed and others injured in this attack, as well as their families,” he added. 

The explosion occurred as the Majlis Speaker was entering his car.

‘Treating this matter with utmost seriousness; investigation underway’

According to sources, the explosion occurred near his residence of G Kenereege. The Maldives Police Service has not yet made a statement regarding the explosion.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness and the investigation is currently underway.

“Speaker of Parliament President Mohamed Nasheed is currently receiving treatment at ADK Hospital in Malé for injuries sustained following an explosion outside his residence tonight. We are treating this matter with utmost seriousness and the investigation is currently underway,” he said in a tweet. 

Photos circulated on social media showed a ripped-up motorcycle at the scene but it is still not clear whether the blast was an assassination attempt, reported PTI. 

Residents in Male told AFP the blast was heard across the capital.