Yumnu most likely fell, not pushed or jumped: commission

The special presidential commission investigating the fall of Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed from a building in Male' has concluded that she most likely fell from the fanlight of H. Fentenoy but could not determine whether she was pushed or jumped of her own accord.

The commission, established by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, released its findings today in a report made public by the President’s Office.

Yumnu was seriously injured after falling from the ninth floor of H. Fentenoy in the early hours of 18 April. She was later transferred to Malaysia for further treatment. Although she has been released from the hospital, she remains unable to provide a statement due to her medical condition, her family said.

The commission said CCTV footage from the stairwell was unavailable due to the absence of cameras on that floor, and attempts to obtain a statement from Yumnu were unsuccessful. The only person with her at the time, Raudh Ahmed Zilal of G. Eriyadhoo, in his statement to the commission said he did not recall the events of that night.

The report stated that it is unlikely that Yumnu was intentionally pushed or jumped on her own. Instead, the commission believes she most likely fell through the fanlight window.

The conclusion was based on four main factors:

- There was no indication of conflict between Raudh and Yumnu that night. Yumnu reportedly went to the apartment willingly.

- CCTV and witness testimony do not suggest Raudh took Yumnu to the location with intent to harm.

- After the fall, Raudh appeared to search for Yumnu and repeatedly checked the area.

- Yumnu sustained only injuries sustained from the fall and showed no signs of physical force.

The commission also found no evidence that Yumnu had intended to harm herself. While she and Raudh had been intoxicated of their own free will, there was no indication from her behaviour that night that she intended to harm herself.

Although the report did not attribute the fall to a deliberate act by Raudh, it concluded that he was negligent. Looking at the events leading up to the fall, and considering that Raudh's statement that he does not remember what happened, it is believed that he acted irresponsibly, the report said.

Prosecutor General’s Office has charged Raudh with failing to provide assistance to a person in need without reasonable cause, a charge that carries a basic sentence of one month and six days in prison. He is not currently in custody.

According to PG Office, Raudh failed to seek help or report the incident after becoming aware that Yumnu had fallen.

The commission was chaired by former Attorney General Dr Mohamed Munavvar and includes Brigadier General (retired) Ahmed Mohamed, Dr Moosa Murad, Jabeen Mohamed and Aminath Eenas.