Man injured while fleeing from police now on ventilator support

The family of the man injured while fleeing from police has said today that his medical condition remains serious, with him currently on ventilator support.

The 38 year old man sustained serious injuries through falling off a roof on Monday while fleeing from Police who were attempting to take him into custody to present him at a Drug Court hearing under a court order.

He has since been receiving treatment at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital.

A family member told Mihaaru News that the man had fallen from the first floor of the house at around 14:30 hrs, but had only been taken to hospital at about 16:20 hrs.

The family said that they had requested the police to take him straight to the hospital after the fall instead of taking him into custody, but said that police at the scene had stated that he was fine.

The house is built so that there is a roof next to the first floor window, but it is so far unclear exactly where he jumped from.

"A neighbour who saw him fall called our mother and sibling. At that exact time, police also arrived at the location. Mother asked that he be taken to the hospital, but Police responded that he was okay. They said it four times. But, even then, his head was bleeding," the family member said.

Once taken to the emergency services, it was discovered that he had severely bled into his brain, and had sustained injuries to his spine. Hence, the first surgery was done to stop the brain bleed. The family said that doctors had advised that treatment for the spine injury can only be provided once his condition becomes stable. At the moment, he is receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit, placed on ventilator support.

Police have said that the family of the man has serious concerns regarding the conduct of police in this incident. Due to this, Police have requested that their Professional Standards Command, the National Integrity Commission, as well as the Human Rights Commission of Maldives look into the matter.