Probe into Abdulla Rasheed’s death while in police custody, underway

The National Integrity Commission is conducting a probe into the death of Abdulla Rasheed, who died while in police custody on 25 October 2022.

The Prosecutor General’s Office (PG Office) confirmed that the National Integrity Commission has launched a probe in connection with the detainee’s death, to uncover if there was any negligence of the authorities.

The PG Office is providing the required recommendations and instructions to NIC, in connection with the probe.

Abdulla Rasheed died as police were trying to detain him following a drug raid. Rasheed, 43 was arrested in a counter-drug operation from a café near the harbor of Hoandedhdhoo island in Gaaf Dhaal atoll on 25 October 2022. He was being transported to Madaveli Police Station when he passed away. Police had also taken him to the Madaveli Health Center after he exhibited seizure symptoms. The institution cited doctors having revealed that Rasheed was dead upon arrival.

Rasheed’s family had directed accusations at the police institution for neglect, even after Rasheed had complained of chest pain en route to Madaveli on the police speedboat.

Rasheed’s body was flown abroad for an autopsy, on 31 October 2022 and brought back on 5 November 2022.

The Maldives Police Service earlier revealed the decision to conduct an autopsy on Abdulla’s body to determine the cause of his death and the body was flown to neighboring India for the autopsy.

Some individuals have accused police of misconduct.

The case is currently being investigated by the National Integrity Commission (NIC) and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih instructed to conduct a just and unbiased probe into the death following discussions with the former Minister of Home Affairs, Sheikh Imran Abdulla regarding the matter.

MPS earlier revealed that Rasheed’s family had consented to the decision. However, speaking to RaajjeMV, the family later revealed that they were against the decision.

After his body was taken to the Galolhu Cemetery Mortuary, the family had gathered in the region in an attempt to see the body. However, the police had refused to let the family see Abdulla’s body.

At a time the police officers who arrested Abdulla were pinned with several accusations by the family, former Minister of Home Affairs Imran revealed that the case is being probed under professional standards. The former minister revealed that other relevant authorities were instructed to pay close attention to the case.

Imran assured that the authority would not back down from taking adequate action if they find any misconduct on the part of the police institution.

Former Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed had also assured that the police institution will provide full support and cooperation for the probe.