Family expresses concern as police continue to withhold Mahdi's phone
4 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | އަންގާރަ 07:09The family of MNDF diver Mahdi has expressed grave concern over perceived delays and a lack of transparency in the investigation into his death, which occurred during a search operation for missing divers in Vaavu Atoll. Accusing authorities of negligence, the family highlighted issues such as the police's continued retention of Mahdi's phone and the failure to rectify his death certificate, calling for immediate government action to ensure justice is served.
Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahdi of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) passed away during the search operation for missing Italian divers. | MNDF
The family of Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahdi, the soldier who died during the search operation for missing Italian divers in Vaavu Atoll, has expressed concern over the fact that his mobile phone remains in police custody.
In a social media post, Mahdi’s brother, Faris Ibrahim, accused the police of stalling the investigation. He noted that Mahdi’s phone remains in police custody under the same protocols used for criminal suspects, which he described as a further indignity to the family.
Faris stated that Mahdi's death certificate recorded him as having been rescued. He noted that, at the time, all media outlets reported the incident in the same manner, citing official authorities. However, Faris's post clarified that Mahdi's body was actually discovered one hour and ten minutes after he went missing. He was found at a depth of 69 meters inside a cave, with an empty oxygen tank.
A social media post shared by Mahdi's brother, Faris Ibrahim. | Social Media
Furthermore, Faris stated that although the MNDF had pledged to rectify Mahdi's death certificate, the corrections have yet to be made.
He further alleged that the relevant authorities are neglecting their duties and attempting to conceal the truth. Meanwhile, the family has issued a call for justice to be served.
Mahdi passed away on May 16 while receiving treatment at ADK Hospital for decompression sickness (DCS).
