The Prosecutor General’s Office has formally submitted to the Criminal Court the case of Raudh Ahmed Zilal, who was previously arrested in connection with the fall of 21-year-old Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed on April 18, 2025.

In a statement released to the media, the Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed that Zilal has been charged with failing to provide assistance to a person in need without reasonable cause. 

The charge, filed under Section 618 of the Maldives Penal Code, which addresses the legal duty to aid individuals in distress arises from an incident that took place at approximately 4:54 a.m. on the aforementioned date, when Yumnu reportedly fell through a window located in the stairwell on the ninth floor of H. Fentenoy.

Authorities allege that Raudh, despite being aware that the young woman had landed on the roof of a neighbouring building, identified as H. Mitaaz, did not make any attempt to assist her, nor did he notify the relevant emergency services. The woman was later found on the rooftop with injuries consistent with a fall, but no immediate aid had been rendered, according to officials.

The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that the filing of criminal charges does not, in itself, imply guilt. Legal proceedings are initiated only when the office deems there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Furthermore, reference was made to Article 51(h) of the Constitution, which guarantees that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Raudh had initially been held in remand during the early stages of the investigation. However, following a review of the case documents, the Prosecutor General’s Office ordered his release on May 27, and he was subsequently freed on the same day.

Despite the formal charges brought against Raudh, investigators have yet to obtain an official statement from the victim. 

Should the court find Raudh guilty, he faces a custodial sentence of one month and six days.