Ihusaan claims Yumnu’s case, involving MPS protecting certain individuals and Incriminating the victim, Is being probed “professionally”
Despite knowing that drugs were involved, the police initially released Raud without making an arrest
Raud Ahmed Zilaal is accused of involvement in Yumnu Rasheed's "fall"
Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has defended the investigation into the case of 21-year-old Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, where the Maldives Police Service (MPS) unveiled information to protect certain individuals and incriminate the victim, calling it a "professionally" conducted inquiry.
Responding to a question from a participant at the “Ahaa” forum held on Monday night about why Raud Ahmed Zilaal's arrest was delayed in connection with the case where Yumnu “fell”, Minister Ihusaan said that the case is being investigated, and that the first response was to the case of a girl who was found fallen. Minister Ihusaan said that when they combed the CCTV footage in connection with the case, the next person they saw was Raud Ahmed Zilal, so he was brought in and tested for drugs as well. He also revealed that the investigation initially began as a drug investigation, and later, with the information received, he was arrested when it became necessary to do so.
The home minister said that the police investigation is an ongoing investigation based on the evidence that is progressively being obtained, and that it is not something done based on assumptions. The minister said that while conducting a professional investigation, steps will be taken based on evidence and proof.
However, when the police first gave information to journalists regarding the case, they knew that Raud was in an intoxicated state at H. Fentonoy on the night Yumnu fell. Further, they also knew about his involvement in Yumnu's fall, and that he had left without informing authorities even after Yumnu fell. In the first press conference held in connection with the case, the police stated that Yumnu “jumped on her own”, attempting to defend certain individuals.
Despite knowing that drugs were involved, the police initially released Raud without making an arrest. However, due to public pressure, the police's stance shifted, and he was arrested four days later. In addition to this, when the police released the profiles of eight individuals suspected of attending the party while under the influence, it was revealed that two of Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen's nephews were among those involved. This has led to allegations that Minister Ameen has been exerting influence over the investigation.
