Former Maldives president Mohammed Nasheed on Wednesday sought refuge in the Indian High Commission in Male to evade arrest by the local police.

Issuing a statement, India has said that it was in touch with Maldivian authorities to resolve the issue.

Nasheed sought shelter after an arrest warrant was issued against him for not attending a court hearing in connection with a case regarding detention of a judge during his tenure as the President.

Earlier in the day the court rejected Nasheed’s appeal to stay the arrest warrant.

AIR Correspondent reports, former Maldives President seeks refuge in Indian High Commission in Male On a day of intense drama in Male, former President Mohammed Nasheed arrived at the Indian High Commission around noon.

Amidst speculation, Nasheed tweeted that he was in the complex to seek refuge from India to avoid being arrested by the police on a court warrant.

Policemen in full combat gear soon surrounded the high commission while hundreds of Nasheed’s supporters assembled outside the gates to extend him support.

Late in the evening India issued a statement saying that its officials are in touch with Maldivian authorities to resolve the situation.

India expressed concern over the ongoing political instability and appealed to government and all political parties to adhere strictly to democratic principles so that free and fair elections can be held in the country later this year.

Nasheed has been nominated by his party as Presidential candidate for the elections slated for 7th of September. He has however expressed apprehension that he may be convicted by a local court to debar him from running for presidency.