Death of individual in custodial care: Police state he was deceased upon arrival at the hospital
The family of a 45-year-old man who died suddenly in police custody has alleged negligence, expressing grave concern over the authorities' failure to notify them of his arrest and their subsequent refusal to share information or allow them to view the body. While the police claim the individual was rushed to IGMH after being found unconscious in his cell, the family continues to demand transparency as an investigation into the circumstances of the death is currently underway.
Death of an individual in police custody at Male’ Custodial: Police stated that according to hospital authorities, the individual was already deceased upon arrival at the hospital. | Edition.mv
Police have confirmed that details regarding the death of an individual in custody at the Male’ Custodial Clinic have been shared with the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) and the National Integrity Commission (NIC).
Following the death of an individual taken into police custody on Thursday, reports have emerged that the family was only notified of the passing on Friday afternoon. According to the family, they were never informed that he had been arrested in the first place.
The family informed RaajjeMV that although he had been arrested on drug-related charges in the past, the police had always notified them of his detention. However, they noted that on this occasion, the authorities failed to inform the family of his arrest.
The family stated that they received a phone call on Friday afternoon informing them that the individual had passed away shortly after being rushed to the hospital due to a sudden medical emergency while in police custody. Upon receiving the news, the family immediately went to the hospital; however, they reported that the police failed to provide answers to any of their inquiries. According to the family, they questioned the authorities regarding the reasons for his arrest and why the family had not been notified of his detention earlier. Despite these inquiries, the family maintains that the police have refused to share any further information.
In response to inquiries from RaajjeMV, the police stated that an individual held in a cell at the Male’ Custodial Clinic was found unconscious and transported to IGMH at midday on April 24, 2026. Authorities further noted that hospital officials confirmed the individual was already deceased upon arrival.
Police have confirmed the death of a 45-year-old Maldivian man who was being held in custody under a court order to ensure his appearance in court. Authorities stated that the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) and the National Integrity Commission (NIC) have been notified of the incident, and a police investigation is currently underway.
The family stated that even after four hours at the hospital, they were not permitted to see the deceased's body. They further alleged that when they requested to see him, they were told it was not possible and that the police informed them the body could not be released at that time.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the family stated that they suspect negligence played a role in the incident. They expressed deep concern over the lack of transparency, noting that authorities have yet to disclose the exact time of death or provide any explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the passing.
