New Delhi: Maldives Immigration has detained three Indian nationals for allegedly promoting fortune-telling and palmistry services within the country, local media reported.
Following their detention, authorities confirmed that deportation proceedings were underway.
The individuals, aged 18, 25, and 39, were arrested during a special operation carried out in collaboration with the Maldives Police Service.
They were advertising their services through a Facebook page called ‘Master Durga Rao Guruji’, which included details about their services and contact information. They also listed a local contact number for appointments and indicated that ‘Guruji’ was currently in Maldives.
Maldives has strict regulations prohibiting unauthorised commercial activities, particularly those that may exploit residents and tourists.
In this case, authorities became aware of social media advertisements where ‘Guruji’ offered services such as fortune-telling, ‘black magic removal’, and solutions for health and marital issues.
Not the first time
In September 2023, Indian national Ganesh Dubey was detained and deported for conducting unauthorised spiritual healing sessions in Malé. Dubey had advertised his services online and organised sessions at a local hotel, which led to a public outcry and legal consequences.
The Maldives, a constitutionally 100 percent Muslim nation, strictly prohibits the practice and promotion of religions other than Islam.
In September last year, the Maldivian Ministry of Health had issued a warning that legal action would be taken against healthcare service providers operating without proper registration and licensing in the Maldives. Additionally, service providers were required to have a valid operating license, as stipulated by law.
“Providing healthcare services in the Maldives without proper registration and licensing is an offense under Article 20 of the Health Services Act. As such, legal action will be pursued against individuals and establishments failing to comply with the law,” the statement warned.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)