Coup attempt in Maldives by Oppn, President resigns

A coup has reportedly been launched in The Maldives by the opposition and rogue elements of the police.

According to reports, opposition demonstrators have taken over the state broadcaster. There are also unconfirmed reports of the coup having the army's support.

President Mohammed Nasheed has reportedly resigned and he may be replaced by Vice-President Mohammed Waheed Hassan.

Television channels are reporting that a flash election can be expected.

The ministry of external affairs has described the situation in The Maldives as serious and confirmed that there have been reports of sporadic violence in that island nation.

The MEA has refrained from labelling the crisis in the Maldives as a coup and added that it has received reports of the Indian community there being safe. It described it as a "settlement" taking place within the "existing political framework".

A statement from Nasheed's office said that all steps are being taken to bring the current situation under control.