Maldives Corrections Service (MCS) has assured the action will be taken against any negligence observed in the sudden death of an inmate in Hulhumalé Prison.

Highlighting that an internal investigation is currently ongoing in connection to the case, MCS revealed that action will pursue if any negligence is identified.

Native of Vaadhoo island in Gaaf Dhaal atoll, Mohamed Aslam, 40, passed away while serving a three-year prison sentence in Hulhumalé Prison in connection to charges linked to narcotics abuse, on September 13.

Some media outlets have reported that Aslam was victim of abuse in prison. This has been refuted by the corrections authority, having publicized a timeline of occurrences of the day.

The authority revealed that Aslam collapsed to the ground while being seated in the yard-area of the Hulhumalé Prison, at around 6pm on September 13. He was rushed to the Hulhumalé Hospital within eight minutes, and the authority had attempted to reach his family, at around 6:30pm. They were able to reach the family at around 6:42pm.

MCS revealed that he did not have any underlying medical conditions and that he was not taking any long-term medications, adding that he attained head injuries due to the fall.

This is proven by the CCTV footage in the Hulhumalé Prison, said the authority.

Doctors at the hospital pronounced Aslam dead at around 8:23pm the same day, however, his death certificate did not detail the cause of death. He is to have passed away at 6:55pm.

Aslam’s death has taken the country by storm, with many reporting that authorities had attempted to hide details of the incident from his family.

MCS earlier revealed that they had immediately informed the Inspector of Corrections Service, Maldives Police Service and Human Rights Commission of the Maldives following Aslam’s transfer to the hospital.