Shahida Ali’s body has been sent to India for post-mortem examination after her family alleged she was murdered, police have said.

40-year-old Shahida Ali, who had a history of mental illness, was found hanged in her home in Nolhivaram island of Haa Dhaal Atoll.

Her family said she was found hanged from a rope tied to a wooden post over 12-feet high, without any visible means that would allow her to reach so high, such as a ‘ladder or chair’.

The family has also said that both the noose and the knot was tied well and tight, clearly by someone skilled in ropesmanship. Shahida’s family did not know her to be so.

Shahida’s husband found her body at their home on Thursday, and her body was brought to Malé on Sunday to be transferred.