Arrest warrant against Nasheed; fmr Prez in Indian Mission

Male, Feb 13: Anti-riots police have surrounded the Indian High Commission here after former

Mohamed Nasheed went there, soon after an arrest warrant was issued against him by a Maldivian court.

However, Salman Khurshid, external affairs minister has denied receiving any request for asylum.

The former President, who is due to attend a hearing regarding his detention of Chief Judge of the Criminal Court Judge Abdulla Mohamed in January 2012, was inside the Indian High Commission at 1:00 PM this afternoon following the announcement of the court order.

Nasheed is "seeking advice" in Indian High Commission, Minivan News reported. Police have set up barricades around the High Commission area. The court summons follows Nasheed's failure to attend his previously scheduled trial hearing at Hulhumale' Magistrate Court on February 10.

Leader of the opposition Sushma Swaraj tweeted, "The situation in Maldives is a matter of serious concern."

"I have spoken to NSA and asked him that the Government should keep us informed in this regard," BJP leader added.

The former President was on an visit to India after being granted permission to depart the country by the court. Despite his permitted travel period expiring on February 9, Nasheed arrived back in Male on February 11, Minivan reported.

(with inputs from PTI)