Fatal accident involving pregnant woman 11 years ago: Heirs identified and testimonies taken; some decline blood money!

The Criminal Court on Sunday held a hearing in the case against Ali Alim, of Erasmekuge, S. Meedhoo, over a fatal accident in Male' 11 years ago that claimed the life of a pregnant woman.

This case pertains to a road accident that occurred in Male' in 2015. The victim of the incident was Azleela Ali, of Gaatugiri, Ha. Hoarafushi. She was six weeks pregnant at the time of her death.

This case was remanded to the Criminal Court after the High Court overturned the initial verdict to find the defendant guilty. The lower court has been instructed to record the statements of the legal heirs and determine the appropriate sentencing.

In this case, Ali Aalim has been charged with the dangerous operation of a motorized vehicle.

The High Court has ruled that Azleela’s death constitutes manslaughter under Islamic Sharia, for which Alim must be held accountable.

During the hearing held at the Criminal Court on Sunday, the legal heirs of the deceased were identified through the testimony of two family members. It was established that at the time of Azleela’s death, her surviving heirs included her parents, her husband, and her son. With the exception of her mother, all other heirs are currently living.

However, Azleela's father remains bedridden due to old age. Consequently, the judge instructed the state to obtain his testimony through the local police. The judge granted a 10-day period to complete this process.

The remaining two heirs, Azleela's husband and child, have stated that they do not wish to claim blood money (Dhiya).

Consequently, the next hearing will involve clarifying the father's statement, followed by the court's determination of the sentence and the issuance of the final verdict.

Judge Muzammil Nasir is presiding over this case at the Criminal Court.