The Criminal Court has acquitted a man accused of breaking into a shop in Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo through the roof and stealing cash after ruling that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

The charges were filed against Ahmed Niusham of Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo.

The State charged Niusham with three offences: using force against another person's property without authorisation, trespassing, and causing property damage. The charges relate to an incident that allegedly took place at Alihava Traders on the night of 4 April 2024.

The prosecution alleged that Niusham removed roofing sheets from the shop, damaged the ceiling to gain entry, and stole MVR 80,000 and USD 1,200 from the cash counter.

However, the court ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to prove the allegations. The judgment stated that the prosecution had failed to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Niusham had committed the offences.

The court heard testimony from seven prosecution witnesses during the trial. After reviewing the evidence, the court found that it did not meet the standard of proof required under Article 51(a) of the Constitution.

The court therefore acquitted Niusham of all three charges.