Police not at fault in Yumnu fall investigation: Minister Ihusan

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan has defended the Maldives Police Service’s handling of the investigation into the fall of 21-year-old Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed from a building in Male' on April 18.

Speaking during the Ahaa Forum held last night, Minister Ihusan said that the case had been misrepresented on social media, where false claims, including allegations of rape and foul play were widely circulated.

He expressed concern over the spread of “false rumors” and said that the investigation, supported by CCTV footage, revealed those claims to be unfounded.

"The police have acted according to the rules and regulations," he said.

"We have not noticed any wrongdoing in the way the police acted in this case. We will look into such a matter the day it happens."

Ihusan emphasized that information in Yumnu’s case was shared more rapidly than in other investigations, and that investigative bodies have not raised any complaints against police conduct so far.

His remarks come in the wake of mounting public criticism and concern about the integrity of the investigation.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu formed a five-member Presidential Committee on April 28 to look into the case following questions raised about the transparency and pace of the police investigation.

Yumnu’s family, along with members of the public, have accused police of attempting to shield certain individuals involved.

Criticism intensified after the names of the suspects were initially withheld, and questions arose over edited CCTV footage released by police, which the family claims has lost its authenticity.

The only person arrested in connection with the incident, 21-year-old Raudh Ahmed Zilal, was taken into custody on April 24, nearly a week after the incident.

He was initially remanded for five days, followed by an additional 10-day remand, and then extended again for five more days on Saturday.

The case has sparked public outcry, especially among the youth, who have staged several protests in Male' demanding justice and calling out alleged flaws in the police investigation.