Raud released from custody on PG's orders after probe wraps up

Raud Ahmed Zilaal, 22, who was arrested in connection with the investigation into the incident where Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, 21, fell from the ninth floor of H. Fentenoy onto the roof of an adjacent warehouse in the early hours of April 18, has been released from custody.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) revealed that after submitting the case to the Prosecutor General's Office (PG Office) for prosecution, the office instructed to release Raud Ahmed Zilaal from custody after reviewing the case documents, and he was subsequently released.

When Raud, who was arrested for the second time in connection with the case, was released after sundown on May 26, the case had been sent to the PG's Office the same day requesting prosecution. The police have accused Raud of failing to provide assistance to a person in need and being under the influence.

In the case where Yumnu “fell”, the police initially stated that it was not believed that any other person was involved in Yumnu's fall.

Although Raud was not initially arrested in connection with Yumnu's fall, he was taken to the police station for questioning. His urine test at that time came back positive for drugs. However, the police did not arrest him then.

Later, suspecting Raud Ahmed Zilaal's involvement, the police arrested him on April 24. This was six days after the incident occurred.

The police have not only suspected Raud's involvement in Yumnu's fall but have also accused him of being under the influence at the time of the incident and of attempted sexual assault.

Although the police made these accusations when requesting Raud's detention, they had previously stated that it was not believed that any other person or group was involved in Yumnu's fall. The police have also released the details of seven other individuals who were with Yumnu that night.