MPS turns to Malaysian police for help in obtaining Yumnu's statement citing lack of family cooperation

Maldives Police Service (MPS) has decided to seek assistance from Malaysian police to take the statement of 21-year-old Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed in connection with the investigation into the case where she was found fallen on the roof of H. Mithaaz in the early hours of April 18, citing her family’s lack of cooperation.

This was revealed in a statement released by the police on Thursday.

Yumnu, who was found fallen on the roof in the early hours of April 18, suffered severe injuries and was transferred abroad for further treatment on the night of April 26 after receiving treatment in the ICU of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

The police statement reads that two Maldivian police officers have been active in Malaysia since the day Yumnu was flown in for treatment. The statement also mentioned that one of the officers is a medical doctor.

However, the police said that despite repeated attempts to communicate, they have not received cooperation from the family of the injured woman for the investigation. The police also said that no information about Yumnu's health condition has been shared with them so far, and even when the hospital where she was being treated in Malaysia was changed, this information was not shared with the police.

Police said the investigation team had continued efforts through Thursday in anticipation of cooperation from the family. However, with no cooperation forthcoming, authorities are now coordinating with the Malaysian police, in line with Malaysian laws and regulations, to obtain the necessary information for the investigation.

Raud Ahmed Zilal of G. Eriyadhoo, who is believed to have been with Yumnu on the night of the incident, was released from police custody on Thursday after being held for several days.

Although police questioned Raud and tested him for drugs in connection with the incident of 21-year-old Yumnu 's fall, he was not initially arrested. Raud was arrested five days after the incident occurred.

Many young people have taken to the streets and held protests claiming to seek justice for Yumnu, who was found fallen onto the roof from H. Fentenoy in the capital Malé City.

Yumnu's family suspects that she did not jump from the ninth floor of Fentenoy on her own. The family has alleged that Yumnu was pushed as part of a planned act. The family has also stated that in addition to Raud, four other people were present at the scene that night.