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Court gives final change to submit DNA report in infanticide case

Hiranya Kumudumali de Alvis, a Sri Lankan national is accused of killing her baby after giving birth, and throwing the baby in the island's dumpsite. In the hearing today, Criminal Court allowed prosecutors a final change to submit the DNA report.

Ameera Osmanagic
04 July 2024, MVT 09:34
Hiranya Kumudumali de Alvis, the Sri Lankan woman accused of infanticide in Adh. Dhigurah
Ameera Osmanagic
04 July 2024, MVT 09:34

After long delays, Criminal Court today gave prosecutors a final chance to present the DNA report concerning the death of a baby who died after being thrown away shortly after being given birth to in Alifu Dhaalu atoll's Dhigurah island.

Authorities charged Sri Lankan national Hiranya Kumudumali de Alvis in the infanticide case where the baby was found thrown away in a bag at the Dhigurah garbage dump site on 3rd December last year.

PG Office revealed that Hiranya, who concealed her pregnancy, gave birth to the baby in the bathroom of a room in the island between 22:00 pm on December 1 and 05:00 am the next day.

She is charged with intentional homicide, endangering a child's health violating a duty of care, and knowingly concealing a murder.

In the hearing held today, Criminal Court questioned prosecutors about the delayed DNA report. In response, the prosecution explained that they are waiting on Maldives Police Service to provide the report and that a request has been sent to expedite the report.

Presiding Judge Ibrahim Ihusan pointed out that while it has been six months since the incident took place and the accused is still in remand, a decision on the case as per civil standards can be taken once the DNA report is submitted.

As such the judge allowed prosecutors a final opportunity to submit the report by the end of the month.

While the incident took place last December, the baby's body was taken to India for a postmortem. After the autopsy, the body was returned to the Maldives and buried.

Hirinya was arrested while at the airport to flee the country. If convicted, she could face up to 10 to 25 years in prison.

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